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Discover the unexpected beauty of Chodang Catholic Church in Gangneung's famous Tofu Village. This architectural marvel offers a serene escape, feeling more like a museum than a traditional church.
On a recent family trip to Gangneung, we stumbled upon a true hidden gem: Chodang Catholic Church. It's an experience I'm excited to share!
Nestled near the famous Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung is home to Chodang Village, renowned for its delectable Chodang tofu. We'd heard whispers about a remarkably beautiful church tucked away in this village, so we made sure to pay it a visit.
Address: 49 Yeondang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Phone: +82-33-652-9770
Upon arrival, we parked and entered what we thought was the main entrance, only to discover later it was actually the rear!
Here's a glimpse of Chodang Catholic Church's exterior. Isn't it absolutely stunning?
We found a charming, teahouse-like space within the church grounds, and a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary.
Near the parking area and the rear entrance, we noticed an information board detailing the mass schedule.
Here's a guide to their weekday and Sunday mass times, accurate as of August 2026:
Weekday Mass:
Saturday:
Sunday Mass:
We also found a church bulletin, which conveniently listed the address, phone number, and mass times – perfect for planning your visit!
Just as captivating as its exterior, the interior of Chodang Catholic Church proved to be uniquely beautiful. The interior design felt truly distinctive, blending traditional elements with a modern, artistic flair.
The crucifix inside was particularly striking, and the overall ambiance felt more like an art gallery or museum than a conventional church.
Visiting outside of mass hours allowed us to fully appreciate the serene quietness and capture the church's peaceful beauty in photographs.
The path leading from the rear entrance to the main one was a fascinating spiral walkway.
Along the walls, the Stations of the Cross were beautifully depicted. Each station offered a moment for reflection as we made our way around.
At the actual main entrance, we discovered a statue honoring Father Andrew Kim Dae-geon, a revered figure in Korean Catholicism.
On the opposite side, a spiral staircase provided another route. After exploring the church's unique architecture, we circled back towards the parking area.
We had hoped to visit the teahouse again, but it appeared a meeting was underway inside, so we respectfully moved on.
Driving down, we captured a final shot of the church from its true front entrance.
So, what do you think of Chodang Catholic Church, nestled in Gangneung's famous Chodang Tofu Village? Its structure and interior are far from typical, making it an incredibly impressive sight. Both inside and out, it exuded a beautiful and peaceful aura, truly feeling like a blend of an art museum and a sacred space. If we ever return to Gangneung, I'd love to visit again, perhaps even to attend a mass.
Gangneung Chodang Catholic Church is located in Chodang Village, famous for Chodang Sundubu (soft tofu), near Gyeongpodae in Gangneung. The exact address is 49 Yeondang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do.
The parking lot for Chodang Catholic Church is located on the rear side of the church. The area connected to the parking lot is the rear entrance of the church.
The interior of Chodang Catholic Church is unique and beautiful, featuring a particularly stunning cross. The path from the rear entrance to the main entrance has a spiral structure, and the walls are adorned with the Stations of the Cross. Near the main entrance, there is also a statue of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon.
Mass times for Chodang Catholic Church can be found on the information board at the rear entrance and in the church bulletin. The author of the article was unable to use the teahouse during their visit as a meeting was taking place there.
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