Gogang-dong Church

Overview

Gogang-dong Church is a church in Gogang-dong, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, belonging to the Diocese of Incheon. According to the Korean Catholic Encyclopedia, it was separated and established from Yeowol-dong Parish on March 4, 1989, and its patron is Saint Joseph. The present church was dedicated on June 1, 1992.

History

[Establishment] According to the Korean Catholic Encyclopedia, Gogang-dong Parish was separated and established from Yeowol-dong Parish on March 4, 1989. The faithful numbered only 1,032 at the time of establishment, but had grown to 4,162 by 1993. Father Park Bok-nam (Joseph), who took office as the first pastor, immediately worked with the faithful to build the church, organized lay groups, and invited sisters of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters from Daegu to assist in pastoral ministry.

[Church construction] The present church was completed a little over 1 years after the groundbreaking ceremony on March 1991 and was dedicated on June 1, 1992. The encyclopedia states that Father Han Ui-yeol (Joseph), appointed as the 2th pastor on January 29, 1993, laid the foundation for the stability and growth of the parish community and is working to build a community of fellowship in preparation for increasing church strength.

[Jurisdiction and affiliation] The jurisdiction recorded in the encyclopedia covers all of Gogang-dong and part of Wonjong-dong. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea directory lists the parish as belonging to Bucheon 2 District, with a foundation date of March 4, 1989, patron Saint Joseph, and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Mirinae as the serving congregation.

Architecture and Space

According to the encyclopedia, the present church was completed a little over 1 years after the groundbreaking ceremony on March 1991 and was dedicated on June 1, 1992, with 1 basement floor, 4 above-ground floors, and a total floor area of 927 pyeong.

Related Places and People

• Yeowol-dong Parish: In 1989, Gogang-dong Parish was separated from this parish (Korean Catholic Encyclopedia).
• Missionary Benedictine Sisters: The first pastor, Father Park Bok-nam, invited sisters from Daegu to assist in pastoral ministry (Korean Catholic Encyclopedia).
• Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Mirinae: Listed in the Bishops’ Conference directory as the congregation serving the parish (Bishops’ Conference directory).

References and Sources

1. Research Institute of Korean Church History, Korean Catholic Encyclopedia “Gogang-dong Parish” (Diocese of Incheon, volume 1). Parish establishment in 1989, first pastor and invitation of sisters, church dedication in 1992 and size, jurisdiction.
   https://encyclopedia.catholic.or.kr/entry/324
2. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, Korean Catholic Directory “Gogang-dong” (Diocese of Incheon). Foundation date 1989.3.4, patron Saint Joseph, congregation Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Mirinae, Bucheon 2 District.
   http://directory.cbck.or.kr/m/catholicInfo.asp?code=201000337&gubun=4