Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.258

Category

유적지

Designated year

1977

Location

중구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 중구 명동길 74(명동2가, 명동성당)

Coordinates

37.563251, 126.987308

Myeongdong Cathedral was designed by Fr. Coste and constructed with the financial support of the Paris Mission Society. It had originally been the residence of martyr Kim Beom-u and was later bought by Bishop Blanc under a Korean name, Kim Camillo. The construction was completed in 1898 following the signing of a commercial treaty between Korea and France in 1887. It is the first church in Korea to be built in bricks after the Gothic style. The floor plan shows a cross shape and the Mass Hall is 23m high and the tower 45m high. Although decorative elements have been excluded, it is a close assimilation of the Gothic style, though the Gothic quality can be felt more strongly on the inside rather than the outside of the building. The bricks used to build the cathedral are wholly Korean products. Twenty kinds of bricks were used and their colors are either red or gray. Skilful use of these bricks has resulted in a well-proportioned and beautiful building.

Location