Pilgrimage

Martyrs' shrines and holy sites across Korea — and how to actually visit them.

Aug 2026 |

Solmoe, Mirinae, Haemi and Cheonjinam are the four shrines that hold the beginning, the death and the burial of the Korean Catholic Church. All four sit within a two-hour drive of Seoul, and none of them charges admission.

Pilgrimage

18. Father Choi Yang-up's New Official Portrait — A Forensic Scientist, an Anatomist, and a Painter Reconstruct Korea's Second Priest

May 28, 2026 |

On April 15, 2026, Wonju Diocese unveiled the first official standard portrait of Venerable Father Thomas Choi Yang-up at Baeron Holy Site. Hyperrealist painter Kim Se-jung worked with anatomists and Korea's National Forensic Service to reconstruct the face of the "Martyr of Sweat" — a quiet but historic step on the road to beatification.

Pilgrimage

15. Chungbuk Pilgrimage and Travel — Where Korea's Miracle Priest Rests

April 15, 2026 |

Visit Baeron Holy Site where Father Choi Yang-up rests, then explore Chungcheongbuk-do: Cheongpungho Lake, Danyang's scenic cliffs, Gosu Cave, and Suanbo Hot Springs. A pilgrimage and travel guide to central Korea.

Pilgrimage

14. Remembering Pope Francis in Korea — The Five Days That Changed Korean Catholicism

April 15, 2026 |

In August 2014, Pope Francis spent five days in Korea — his first trip to Asia. He beatified 124 martyrs at Gwanghwamun, prayed at Haemi and Solmoe, and visited Kkottongnae. A complete guide to every site he visited, with practical travel info for pilgrims heading to WYD 2027.

Pilgrimage

10. Father Choi Yang-up Pilgrimage — The "Martyr of Sweat" Who Walked 2,800 km a Year

Apr 3, 2026

Visit the birthplace and final resting place of Father Thomas Choi Yang-up, Korea's "Martyr of Sweat" who walked 2,800 km every year through persecution-era Korea. Two pilgrimage sites, both free, both day-trippable from Seoul.

Pilgrimage

08. Seoul Martyrs' Pilgrimage Trail — Walking Where 10,000 Gave Their Lives

Apr 2, 2026

A Vatican-recognized pilgrimage trail through Seoul's most sacred Catholic sites. 103 saints, underground museums, and 200 years of martyrdom history — all walkable in a day.

Pilgrimage

26. Catholic Shrines Outside Seoul — Solmoe, Mirinae, Haemi and Cheonjinam

18. Father Choi Yang-up's New Official Portrait — A Forensic Scientist, an Anatomist, and a Painter Reconstruct Korea's Second Priest

15. Chungbuk Pilgrimage and Travel — Where Korea's Miracle Priest Rests

14. Remembering Pope Francis in Korea — The Five Days That Changed Korean Catholicism

10. Father Choi Yang-up Pilgrimage — The "Martyr of Sweat" Who Walked 2,800 km a Year

08. Seoul Martyrs' Pilgrimage Trail — Walking Where 10,000 Gave Their Lives