South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour

Your Catholic Pilgrimage of South Korea begins in the vivacious capital city of Seoul.

Arrive at the Incheon International Airport, where your tour guide will greet you. A private transfer will then take you to your first hotel in Seoul.

Catholicism in South Korea has an arduous past, as its early years were marked primarily by persecution and martyrdom. Today you’ll have the opportunity to visit the very first Roman Catholic parish church in South Korea, the Myeongdon Cathedral in Seoul, a fitting start to your Catholic pilgrimage!

Later in the day, you’ll make your way to the Saenamteo Holy Ground, where several critical South Korean catholic figureheads were martyred in the 19th century.

Your exploration of Seoul continues with visits to Gwanghwamun Plaza, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the colourful Insadong District.

With your appetite well worked up, finish off the day at the Gwangjang Market, seeking out some tasty Korean snacks from the nearly 5000 vendors that call this bustling street market home!

Trace the footsteps of Korea’s earliest Catholic believers as you visit key martyr sites in Seoul, including Seosomun Martyrs’ Site, Danggogae Shrine, Saenamteo Holy Ground, Jeoldusan Shrine, and Samseongsan Shrine. Reflect on their courage, faith, and enduring legacy while exploring these historic and spiritually significant locations.

Visit Cheonjinam, the birthplace of Korean Catholicism, and Mirinae, a historic gathering site. See the grave of Father Kim Daegeon, the cathedral commemorating 103 saints, and Gethsemane Hill, reflecting on the courage and devotion of Korea’s early Catholics.

Today, you’ll visit Solmoe Holy Ground, the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic priest. Walk among the pine trees along the Path of the Cross, visit the memorial hall showcasing documents on early Korean Catholic martyrs, and see the statue of St. Andrew Kim holding the Gospel.

This sacred site is of major historical and spiritual significance, honored even by Pope Francis during his visit to Korea. Take time to reflect, pray, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing to Boryeong for your overnight stay.

Today you’ll journey through Korea’s rich history and culture. Stop in Buyeo, the heart of Baekje culture, and explore ancient temples and the Buyeo National Museum, home to exquisite relics from over 1,500 years ago.

In Iksan, visit the Neobawi Shrine and Nabawi Cathedral, significant sites in the early history of Catholicism in Korea.

Finally, arrive in Jeonju, where you’ll explore Jeonju Hanok Village and the historic Jeondong Catholic Church, experiencing the city’s traditional charm and cultural heritage.

Today you’ll travel south to Gwangju, a city rich in history and faith. Visit Namdong Catholic Church, known for its role during the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, where it served as a gathering place for citizens seeking peace and justice. Pause at the May 18 National Cemetery, a solemn memorial honoring the victims of the uprising, and take a moment to reflect on Korea’s journey toward human rights and democracy.

Today you’ll journey south through Gokseong, site of the historic Jeonghae Persecution of 1827, and visit Gokseong Catholic Church, honoring those who kept their faith under severe oppression. Stop at Okbong Catholic Church near Jinju, a red-brick neo-Gothic church built in 1933 and expanded over time, reflecting the growth of the local Catholic community. Your day concludes in Busan, Korea’s bustling coastal city and largest port, framed by mountains and ocean, where you’ll spend the night.

Start your day at Oryundae Martyrs Shrine, exploring Korea’s Catholic history, relics, and stories of early martyrs. See the half-scale replica boat “Raphael,” used by early priests traveling from Shanghai, and visit the graveyard of 8 martyrs executed in 1868.

Enjoy some leisure time to pack before taking the high-speed train back to Seoul, with the rest of the day free for your own activities.

It’s time to say farewell this morning as your Catholic pilgrimage in South Korea comes to an end. A private transfer will take you to the airport to depart.