Hwaseong Catholic Cathedral: Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground – Pray for Success at the Magnificent Cathedral~~♡
On Friday, November 21, 2025, our family planned a special outing. My husband took a day off because our son had an important exam the next day, so we could spend time together. At first, we considered going to famous Chinese restaurants like ‘Doryang’ or ‘Kang Dong Won,’ but my husband’s sudden suggestion led us to visit the Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground in Hwaseong. We quickly set off to spend a meaningful time and offer prayers.
Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground, a Sacred Site Cherishing the Pain of the Byeongin Persecution
The Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground is an unmarked place of martyrdom where countless martyrs shed their blood during the great persecution of the Byeongin year in 1866. After being neglected for a long time, it began to be sanctified in 1983, and despite various difficulties, it was cultivated through small contributions. Finally, on October 7, 1991, the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary, it was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and officially declared a ‘Pilgrimage Site’ for the first time in the history of the Korean Catholic Church. (Excerpt from Encyclopedia)
It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the large parking lot to the holy ground.In early December, a music festival will be held in conjunction with Hwaseong and the Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground.On the right side of the path, you can receive special pilgrimage stickers instead of stamps.The bare cherry trees with fallen leaves create a winter landscape. Beautiful cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in spring.On the right side of the path is the Cho Bongheon Hall, with a square frame gate and stairs that look like an outdoor performance stage.On the left side of the path is the Sanctuary, an indoor building. Unlike most facilities exposed outdoors, this place was created as a separate building.Donations can also be made via bank transfer.The statue of the Virgin Mary seen through the window is impressive.I chose a white candle, a color believed to be helpful, and offered it via bank transfer, praying for my son’s exam success. (Large cup: 3,000 won) It was a more meaningful time because I could write my wishes in the guestbook.
Scenery of the Peaceful Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground
There is a fountain where Jesus seems to welcome visitors with open arms.In the plaza in front of the fountain, various statues are erected in a semicircle.We took a commemorative photo with my husband praying next to a priest. Although my husband is Buddhist, he has changed a lot from visiting famous holy sites and churches together. It was a touching moment to see my husband praying for the first time that day.In the back, there is a square frame gate leading to the ‘Rosary Prayer Path’ along with black marble engraved with the names of those who made donations during the construction of the church.I offered a prayer at the fountain, wishing for my son’s success. Coins thrown by someone were visible in the fountain.
Magnificent and Beautiful Church Architecture
I was curious about the interior, but only the previous guide remained.The peak of autumn colors had passed, but the beautiful colors of the red maple tree caught my eye.A ladle was placed where spring water seemed to have flowed, but no water was coming out.Crossing the wide ochre lawn, you will find the Statue of Jesus Christ.It will be possible to know what kind of tree it is in spring, with the tree standing tall in the middle of the lawn.Seeing the statue of Jesus on the cross tilted towards the ground, not the ceiling, was deeply moving.
Exploring the Main Sanctuary Interior
We moved to the main sanctuary, which I was most curious about.Although it was disappointing due to the backlight, it was an even more magnificent and impressive building up close.The two pillars have unusual curves and intersecting cross-sections, and the red bricks and intricate finishing are impressive.The invitational Mass will be held from 2 PM to 6 PM on December 13th.On the first floor, wall art with ornate gold flower patterns catches the eye.The Small Chapel is compact and simple in size, allowing us to see its interior structure.The blue wall, which gave a mysterious feeling, was finished with Korean paper.There is also a shop selling Catholic goods.The 2nd floor Main Cathedral, with its overwhelming scale and arched ceiling, was more magnificent than I had imagined.I was once again amazed by the detail of the wing pillars.There is an organ at the back.Secret spaces like mini rooms are prepared on both sides of the wing pillars.Unlike the statues of the Virgin Mary in black clothing I saw in Italy, here they are displayed in frames.Inside the wooden frames on the pillars are special stones, not ordinary ones.Even more surprisingly, there are also ‘Jesus’ tombstone’ stones. I don’t know how these stones came to be here, but I felt overwhelmed with emotion and concern for their preservation.It was a beautiful atmosphere with organ music and singing.The confessional is located past the stairs on the left side.The most surprising thing was the painting at the front and the statue of Jesus hanging in the center. It was different from what I knew, which was disconcerting, but I did not photograph the statue of Jesus.I thought it was the Last Supper, but it looked somewhat chaotic.
Masterpiece by Architect Mario Botta
We went outside to see the exterior of the building. The exterior, with its vertical semi-spherical pillars instead of cylindrical ones, showcases its status as the winner of the 28th Catholic Art Award. It is constructed with red bricks, characteristic of Swiss architect Mario Botta, and more than half of the main body is buried underground, harmonizing with the surrounding terrain. The 1200-seat church lobby connects to the martyr’s garden at the rear, serving as an entrance passage and a gathering space after Mass. Mario Botta was responsible for the design, and Han Man-won, CEO of HNS Architecture, participated as a partner.
It was a much more impressive building than I had expected. Both the design and construction were excellent.I took a photo at the entrance on the way down.
Path of Meditation and Prayer
I climbed the uphill path next to the chapel to get a better view of the church’s exterior.I was moved to tears by the apology I felt towards the babies.This is the ‘Rosary Prayer Path’ where you hold a rosary and pray while moving clockwise.The horned pattern on the top of the marble sphere looked familiar, but I couldn’t recall where I had seen it. There were many fallen leaves on the secluded uphill path.
Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground Developing with New Facilities
As we headed to the parking lot after finishing our tour, we saw a very long building under construction. It is planned to house a restaurant, cafe, and chapel.
Parking is 2,000 won for the first 3 hours.Namyang Cathedral Holy Ground is not only attractive for its beautiful cathedral building itself, but it is also highly commendable for being utilized as an open cultural space for pilgrims, visitors, and local residents, beyond just a religious space. We are also looking forward to the music festival performance in December. If you have a child taking the college entrance exam or preparing for employment this year, we recommend visiting to pray for their success. Stay healthy!
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