Seoseok Cathedral

History & origins

The Catholic community in Seoseok began to take shape through the personal story of a believer who had lived through the Korean War. According to the diocesan history, Andrew Yeon Gyu-pil was wounded during the war, received baptism, and after leaving military service settled in Pungam-ri. The following year he asked Father Philip Cho Seon-hui, then pastor of Hongcheon Parish, to establish a mission station in Seoseok. Father Cho acquired a thatched house near the present church site, and on October 10, 1956, a catechist was assigned, marking the beginning of a more stable Catholic community in Seoseok.

The early community grew while serving Pungam-ri, Geomsan-ri, Saenggok-ri, Cheongnyang-ri, and Eoron-ri. Through the efforts of the faithful, a mission chapel and residence for the catechist were built, and on October 30, 1958, Bishop Thomas Quinlan presided over the dedication of the chapel. As additional mission stations were formed in the surrounding region, Seoseok gradually developed into a pastoral center for the area.

On May 31, 1968, Seoseok Mission Station was elevated to parish status, at that time overseeing the mission stations of Saenggok, Naemyeon, Jangpyeong, Mulgeolli, and Gwangwon. As the church building aged, the community raised funds and received help from benefactors and parishioners for renovation. On August 1, 2004, Bishop John of the Cross Chang Yik celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the restored parish church. This history shows how Seoseok grew from a postwar request by one believer into a parish serving several mountain communities.