Hyodong Catholic Church

History & origins

Hyoja Parish was established on September 4, 2007, after being separated from Yeonil and Daejam parishes in Pohang. The new parish began its practical liturgical life with its first Mass on November 25 of that year. At first, the community had to organize itself around temporary premises in circumstances where even prominent signage for the church was difficult.

Once established as an independent parish, its major challenge was securing a permanent church. Construction preparation was complicated by restrictions related to an adjacent cultural heritage area and urban-planning issues affecting the site, but work began in June 2011. Over about one year and five months, the parish completed a new complex including the church, rectory, convent, catechetical rooms, and hall.

The new church was dedicated on November 18, 2012, by Archbishop Thaddeus Cho Hwan-kil. The early history of Hyoja can therefore be summarized as the formation of a new community in southern Pohang, separated from two mother parishes, that moved from temporary conditions to a permanent church. It is a relatively recent example of a parish being created and taking root in response to urban expansion.

The new complex described by the Catholic Times included not only the worship space but also a rectory, convent, catechetical rooms, and a hall. This shows that the early challenge of the new parish was not merely to secure a place for Mass, but to build the broader physical foundation needed for catechesis and continuing community life.