Seoul Yakhyeon Catholic Church (서울 약현성당)




Address



447-1, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 청파로 447-1 (중림동)



Type



Temples/ Religious Sites



Inquiries




• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-312-5220
+82-2-362-1891



Homepage




yakhyeon.or.kr
(Korean only)







Introduction

Yakhyeon Catholic Church was established as a result of Korea gaining religious freedom in the 23rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1886) and the subsequent increase of the Catholic population.



In 1891, Myeongdong Cathedral's head priest Doucet laid down the foundation stone in Hap-dong. Coadjutor bishop Coste was in charge of design and construction and the building was eventually completed in 1892.



The church was named after "Yakjeonhyeon" (藥田峴,), or a hill of medicinal herbs. This is because the place where the church is located was once a hilly area covered with medicinal herbs. Later on, "Yakjeonhyeon" was shortened to "Yakhyeon" and it became the name of the hilly area between Malli-dong and Seoul Station.



Yakhyeon Catholic Church was the first Western-style church ever built in Korea. It's Gothic architecture features a 12m-wide and 32m-long cruciform construction with low arched windows and a pointed-arch entrance gate.

Telephone

+82-2-362-1891

Fax

+82-2-392-1457

E-Mail
yak1891@catholic.or.kr

Current Status

Designated as Historic Site No. 252 (November 22, 1977)

Parking Facilities

Available

Admission Fees

Free

Restrooms

Available

Interpretation Services Offered

Not available


Comments