Solol Catholic Church

History & origins

Solol Parish was born from the need for a new Catholic community as housing development in the Gyodong area of Gangneung created a densely populated residential district. The Diocese of Chuncheon established Solol Parish on February 12, 2004, separating it from Imdang-dong Parish and placing it under the patronage of Saint John Mary Vianney. Before a permanent church was ready, the community used the fifth floor of Seongwon Building in Gyo 1-dong as a temporary church and celebrated its first Mass there.

The diocese acquired land in the Gyodong Gwangjang-ro area for a new church, while parishioners raised construction funds through bazaars and local events. Records show a change of parish address to the new site at the end of 2007, and the completed church was dedicated on March 20, 2008. The new building became known for its contemporary design set among pine trees and for sacred artworks integrated into the worship space.

In February 2024 the parish marked its twentieth anniversary. Unlike many rural parishes that developed over decades from old mission stations, Solol’s history is closely tied to urban development: a new residential district emerged, a Catholic community was organized within it, and a permanent church was built for that growing population. This relationship with the expansion of Gangneung is central to understanding the history of Solol Catholic Church.