Songdo Catholic Church

History & origins

Songdo Parish was established on December 25, 1961, after being separated from Jungang and Chojang parishes. At the time of its establishment it was called Nambumin-dong Parish, with St. Joseph as its patron. The creation of an independent parish for Catholics in the Nambumin-dong and Amnam-dong area of Busan's Seo-gu gave the coastal Catholic community its own pastoral base.

The Korean Catholic Encyclopedia records that the parish was renamed “Songdo Parish” in 1975. As the local living area and place names developed, the community's name thus settled into the present form. The current Catholic Church directory in Korea continues to record December 25, 1961 as the founding date and St. Joseph as the patron, confirming continuity with the parish's original identity.

For many decades the parish has sustained the faith life of local Catholics, including lay apostolates such as the Legion of Mary. In 2021 the Diocese of Busan, during the centenary celebration of the Legion of Mary, recognized a long-serving Legion member from Songdo Parish, providing one example of devotional and apostolic activity maintained within the parish over many years.

In 2012 a priest of Songdo Parish also took a leading role in establishing an organization intended to carry forward the spirit of love and service of the late Father John Lee Tae-seok. This shows how the parish's historical role has extended beyond the liturgical life of local Catholics to the public remembrance and sharing of the life and service of a priest who grew up in Busan's Seo-gu.