Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral Live Cam

History

The Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an iconic landmark in Seoul, South Korea, and a significant symbol of the Catholic Church in the country. Located in the bustling Myeongdong district, the cathedral holds a deep historical and religious significance, marking the presence and influence of Christianity in Korea. Its origins date back to the late 19th century, during a period of dramatic social and religious change in the region.

Christianity first began to take root in Korea in the 17th century, primarily through the efforts of Catholic missionaries who arrived from China. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that Catholicism began to establish a more visible presence in Korea. The construction of the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral, which began in 1898 and completed in 1899, was part of this larger movement of religious development. The cathedral’s construction was a bold and symbolic statement of the Catholic Church's growing influence in Korea, a nation that was predominantly influenced by Confucian traditions at the time.