Sil-eo Village Mission Station

History & origins

Silre Village Mission Station was established on July 7, 1960, and initially belonged to the Cathedral Parish of Jukrim-dong. From 1969 it came under Hyoja-dong Parish, and in September 2002 it was transferred to the newly established Smusup Parish. At that time it was known as Sinnam Mission Station. As the name “Silre Village” became more widely used for the area, the mission station also came to be known by its present name.

The chapel was renovated in 2009 and took on its present form. Its interior includes an altar, lectern, tabernacle, crucifix, and Stations of the Cross by Sr. Kim Gyeom-sun, together with other sacred artworks including works by artist Kim Hyeong-ju. The building was renewed so that, despite its small scale, it could offer a space focused on liturgy and contemplation. The renovation reflected Bishop Chang Yik’s interest in communicating the meaning of faith through sacred art.

After retiring as Bishop of Chuncheon in 2010, Bishop Chang Yik lived in the residence at the mission station until his death in 2020. As a place associated with his prayer, reading, and simple daily life, Silre Village Mission Station came to be remembered not only as a local chapel but also as a quiet place of reflection for Catholics of the Diocese. Its history expresses the continuity of a small rural community that preserved its place of faith through several changes of parish jurisdiction.