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About this place
Gyerim-dong Catholic Church is a parish church of the Archdiocese of Gwangju in Dong-gu, Gwangju, within the Gwangju East district. The Catholic Church Directory in Korea records the parish as established in 1964 and names St. Philip as its patron. Local historical sources explain that it was separated from Bukdong Parish that year and that, as the community grew, it developed its church and facilities for education and community life.
The history of Gyerim-dong extends beyond liturgy and ordinary parish ministry into its relationship with the surrounding community. The parish opened Franciska Kindergarten in 1971 and took part in early-childhood education. It is also recorded as the site of a public Mass on June 23, 1980, in the aftermath of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, celebrated by Fr. Pio Cho Cheol-hyeon with many priests, religious, and lay faithful in attendance. This episode is one example of how the local Catholic community responded to the pain and public concerns of its time.
Today Gyerim-dong remains a parish where Mass, the sacraments, catechesis, and community life take place, while its history also connects it with Gwangju's modern civic memory. Understanding the parish's formation, educational work, and engagement with local society gives a fuller sense of the significance of the church.
History & origins
As the Catholic population of northeastern Gwangju increased in the late 1950s, the need for a new parish became clear. Bishop Harold Henry acquired about 2,400 pyeong of land in Gyerim-dong on October 1, 1959, and Gyerim-dong Parish was separated from Bukdong Parish and established on August 15, 1964.
Because of limited resources, the early community first worshiped in a temporary church. Construction of a permanent church began in June 1968, financed through both overseas benefactors and contributions from parishioners, and the new church was dedicated on May 26, 1969.
As the parish continued to grow, Jisan-dong Parish was separated from it in 1970 and Junghung-dong Parish in 1972. The history of Gyerim-dong therefore reflects both the expansion of Catholic life in northeastern Gwangju and its later role as a foundation for neighboring parish communities.
Korean Catholic Places Encyclopedia
Gyerim-dong Catholic Church: history and architecture
Read about the place's history, architecture, people, and events in the Korean Catholic Places Encyclopedia.
Encyclopedia articles are currently available in Korean.
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- Data freshness
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- Last updated
- Source
- Francisco Diary
Diocese
Gwangju Archdiocese (Archdiocese of Gwangju)
Official website: https://www.gjcatholic.or.kr/
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