Theme: A Faith Born in Persecution

Our pilgrimage begins in Myeongdong Cathedral, the mother church of Korean Catholicism and spiritual centre for the Archdiocese of Seoul. We celebrate Mass here and reflect on the vibrant Catholic witness in Korea today.

Next, we visit the solemn Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine, where over 100 Catholics were beheaded in the 1860s. Explore the shrine’s powerful museum, relics, and peaceful setting by the Han River.

In the afternoon, we walk a section of the Eternal Life Road, one of the Vatican-recognised Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Routes. We visit the Seosomun Martyrs’ Shrine, Gyeonggi Provincial Governor’s Office, and Site of the Right Podocheong, retracing the final footsteps of Korea’s early martyrs.

Our final stop is Gahoe-dong Church, Korea’s oldest Catholic church structure, blending Eastern and Western architecture – a silent witness to enduring faith.

Seoul overnight (BD)

Theme: Humble Beginnings of the Korean Church

This morning we journey south to Chon Jin Am, widely considered the birthplace of Korean Catholicism. Here, in a quiet valley, Korean scholars first read and received the Gospel without foreign missionaries. We spend time in prayer and contemplation, recalling the courage of these first believers.

Returning to Seoul, we visit Yakhyeon Catholic Church, the first Western-style Catholic church in Korea, nestled in the heart of the capital.

Seoul overnight (BD)

Theme: Peace I Leave You – Praying for Reconciliation

Today we make a special visit to the DMZ, the border dividing North and South Korea. We visit Imjingak Peace Park, the Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory, where we pray for unity and peace on the Korean peninsula. This is a powerful moment to remember the martyrs of war and renew our call to be peacemakers.

Return to Seoul for a restful evening.

Seoul overnight (BD)

Theme: The Call of the Saints – St Andrew Kim Taegon

Departing Seoul, we journey to Solmoe Village, the birthplace of St Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea’s first native priest and patron saint. We visit his family home, birthplace museum, and chapel. This sacred ground inspires us to walk in his footsteps of courage and faith.

We continue to Jeonju, where we visit the Jeonju Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine, a place of execution and witness. Celebrate Mass here before a stroll through the Hanok Village, a living expression of traditional Korean life.

Jeonju overnight (BD)

Theme: A Cloud of Witnesses

Today we travel south to Gwangju, a vibrant city of Catholic witness. Our first stop is the Gwangju Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine, built in memory of those martyred during persecution in the Jeolla region. We celebrate Mass here.

We then pause at the May 18 National Cemetery, Korea’s memorial to the victims of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising, and offer prayers for the dignity of all human life.

Return to Jeonju in the evening.

Jeonju overnight (BD)

Theme: Pilgrims of Hope – The Journey Continues

Today we cross the peninsula from west to east, travelling by coach to Busan, Korea’s southern port city.

After check-in, we enjoy a scenic walk along Haeundae Beach, before celebrating evening Mass at Namcheon Catholic Church, a vibrant parish community.

Busan overnight (BD)

Theme: Interfaith Harmony and Christian Witness

We begin at the Oryundae Martyrs’ Shrine, honouring Catholics who were exiled and killed in the Busan region.

Our journey continues to Beomeosa Temple, a serene Buddhist monastery where we reflect on religious coexistence and respect.

In the afternoon, we visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, where we honour Allied forces who died in the Korean War, including many Australians. We gather again for Mass at Namcheon Cathedral.

Busan overnight (BD)

Theme: In Memory of the Missionaries – In Silence with God

This morning we travel to Yangsan, to visit the Catholic Foreign Missionary Cemetery, resting place of the Paris Foreign Mission priests who sowed the seeds of faith in Korea with their lives.

Nearby, we enter the silence of St John’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery nestled in the hills. Join the monks for Midday Prayer (subject to availability), and tour the beautiful chapel and grounds.

We return for our Final Thanksgiving Mass, giving praise for the martyrs, missionaries, and modern faithful who form the Korean Church’s living legacy.

Busan overnight (BD)

Theme: Rejoicing in Grace

This morning, we return to Seoul by KTX high-speed train (approx. 2.5 hrs). Enjoy free time for shopping, rest, or final prayers. Tonight, we celebrate our Farewell Dinner and Final Mass, giving thanks for the journey we have shared.

Seoul overnight (BD)

Theme: Go Forth With Joy

Our pilgrimage concludes this morning after breakfast.

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