Ildong Church

History & origins

After the Korean War, Ildong grew into a local center, increasing the need for an independent parish. In 1970, Catholics purchased land in Gisan-ri, Ildong-myeon, and began construction of a church, completing the building the following year. At the time, the community was the Hwaedaeri mission station under Pocheon Parish, and the new church made it possible to prepare for elevation to parish status.

On November 7, 1971, Hwaedaeri mission station was elevated and Ildong Parish was established, with Christ the King as its patron. At the same time, Idong and Naechon mission stations, previously under Pocheon Parish, were transferred to the jurisdiction of the new Ildong Parish. This marked Ildong's emergence as a new pastoral center connecting Catholic communities in northeastern Pocheon.

As the surrounding communities continued to grow, mission stations once cared for by Ildong later developed into independent parishes of their own. Ildong thus moved from being a mission station to becoming a parish that supported neighboring communities and eventually helped them become self-sustaining. Its history reflects the gradual establishment and expansion of Catholic community life amid the postwar reorganization of the region.