왜고개 성지

History & origins

The name Waegogae derives from Wahyeon or Waseohyeon, names associated with a government facility that produced roof tiles and bricks in the area. Seven martyrs killed at Saenamteo during the Byeongin Persecution were buried here for 33 years, while two martyrs killed outside Seosomun remained here for 43 years. The body of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Korea’s first priest, martyred on September 16, 1846, also rested here briefly before being transferred to Mirinae after the persecution subsided.

In all, ten martyrs were buried at the site, eight of whom were canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II on May 6, 1984. To express its significance in Korean Church history and support pilgrims’ prayer, the Military Ordinariate renovated and expanded the shrine in December 2013 with a martyrs’ memorial monument, a large cross, Stations of the Cross, and prayer spaces, followed by a blessing ceremony.