불광동 성당

History & origins

The Bulgwang-dong Catholic community grew from a mission station under Hongje-dong Parish and was elevated to parish status on May 7, 1964. Land for a church was secured in late 1963, construction began in September 1965, and the first church was completed and blessed in March 1968. As the Catholic population grew, new parishes including Gupabal (1973) and Yeokchon-dong (1974) were separated from it.

Construction of the present church began in July 1982, followed by a topping-out ceremony in 1983. Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan presided at its dedication in April 1986, and construction was completed the following month. Later divisions including Galhyeon-dong, Nokbeon-dong, and the Yeonsinnae area show Bulgwang-dong's long role as a mother parish in the growth of Catholic communities in Eunpyeong.