Catholic Church in South Korea

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Barricades are set up at a military checkpoint on the Tongil bridge, the road leading to North Korea’s Kaesong city, in the border city of Paju on Oct. 9, 2024. North Korea’s army said on Oct. 9 it was moving to “permanently shut off and block the southern border” with Seoul and had informed the U.S. military to prevent an accidental clash.

Archbishop warns of diminishing hope for peace as North Korea escalates military threats

Oct 14, 2024

By Daniel Payne

A South Korean prelate said Catholics continue to pray for peace and hope but that “hope is fading” for reunification... Read more

Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee is auxiliary bishop of Seoul and general coordinator for WYD Seoul 2027.

Vatican reveals theme for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea

Sep 24, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican on Tuesday unveiled the theme of the next international World Youth Day, which will be in Seoul, South... Read more

Pilgrims from South Korea wave a flag at the closing Mass of World Youth Day Lisbon with Pope Francis on Aug. 6, 2023.

International conference on youth ministry wrapping up in Rome

May 24, 2024

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

Nearly 300 delegates hailing from bishops’ conferences in 110 countries are meeting in Rome to participate in the International Youth... Read more

World Youth Day pilgrims in Panama City from the Archdiocese of Seoul.

Archbishop to invite young North Koreans to next World Youth Day in Seoul

Nov 23, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick shared this week that he plans to invite a youth delegation from North Korea to the... Read more

Pope Francis greets a delegation of Korean Catholics at the Vatican on Sept. 16, 2023.

Pope Francis: Catholics in Korea called ‘to a burning faith’

Sep 16, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“With the prophecy of martyrdom, the Korean Church reminds us that we cannot follow Jesus without embracing his cross,” Pope... Read more

A group of South Koreans pray at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The challenges facing South Korea in organizing the next World Youth Day

Aug 12, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

One priest says that being designated the site of the next WYD is an opportunity “to spread faith in Christ”... Read more

Pilgrims from South Korea wave a flag at Mass with Pope Francis for the closing of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon on Aug. 6, 2023.

Next World Youth Day to be in South Korea in 2027

Aug 6, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The announcement was made at the end of the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Read more

Justina, a young Korean woman who was recently baptized and entered the Catholic Church, explained that she decided to participate in World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon “for many reasons. But I really wanted to see the pope.”

Recently baptized Korean woman comes to WYD to get to know Catholic community

“It’s just so amazing to see all the Catholic youth from all over the world gathered here together through the... Read more

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South Korea’s Catholic bishops pray for Halloween crowd surge victims

Oct 31, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Catholic bishops in South Korea offered condolences to the bereaved families of the more than 150 people killed in a... Read more

The Haemi Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine near Seosan, South Korea.

South Korean shrine celebrates designation as international pilgrimage site

Jan 14, 2022

By CNA Staff

Haemi Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine is the second Korean site to receive the honor. Read more

An image of Blessed Paul Yun Ji-chung and 123 companions, who were beatified Aug. 16, 2014.

Relics of first Korean Catholic martyrs identified with DNA testing

Sep 1, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The martyrs were among the first of thousands of Catholics to be tortured and executed. Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after the Wednesday general audience, May 7, 2014.

Pope Francis praises martyred Korean priest at Vatican Mass

Aug 21, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis said St. Andrew Kim Taegon spread the faith “in difficult times, marked by persecution and suffering” for the... Read more