Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church Mokpo: Korea's First Minor Basilica

Discover Mokpo Catholic Shrine

Recently, my family and I took a day trip to Mokpo and stumbled upon the incredible Mokpo Catholic Shrine. It was an unexpected discovery that turned into one of the most meaningful parts of our journey.

The Mokpo Catholic Shrine complex is home to several significant sites: the Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church Minor Basilica, the Mokpo Catholic Shrine History Museum, and the Korea Legion of Mary Memorial Hall.

Though we hadn't planned to visit, this serendipitous stop allowed us to share a truly profound experience together.

Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church

This memorial church commemorates martyrs and the introduction of the Legion of Mary to Korea. The Catholic Mokpo Shrine, where Gwangju Archdiocese's first parish was established in 1897, saw the construction of this new church in 2020.

The church boasts an impressive structure, spanning one underground floor and four above-ground floors. It features a grand main church with 700 seats, a smaller chapel with 200 seats, catechesis rooms, a dining hall, an observatory, and various meeting spaces, all designed to welcome pilgrims to attend mass.

At the altar of the main church on the second floor, you'll find precious relics: a fragment of the Holy Cross that Jesus carried 2,000 years ago, and the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and her holy parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin.

Mass Schedule

Sunday Masses are held in the Main Church.

Weekday Masses are held in the Small Chapel.

Sanjeong-dong Minor Basilica

The Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church was granted the esteemed title and dignity of a Minor Basilica (Basilica Minor) by the Holy See on May 1, 2021.

What is a Minor Basilica?

This honorary title is bestowed by the Pope upon churches recognized for their significant historical, artistic, and spiritual importance. The Sanjeong-dong Martyrs' Memorial Church holds the distinction of being the first Minor Basilica in South Korea.

Privileges of a Minor Basilica

On designated days, faithful who reverently visit a Minor Basilica and participate in a sacred ceremony there, or at least recite the Lord's Prayer and the Creed, can receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions). (Refer to the Decree concerning the Title of Minor Basilica for Rome and the Whole World, November 9, 1989).

* Designated days are specified by the local diocese.

The Minor Basilica's Three Great Treasures

Relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

A fragment of the Holy Cross

Relics of Saint Thérèse's Parents

We took the elevator up to the 5th-floor rooftop observatory.

Rooftop Observatory

You need to climb one more flight of stairs from the 5th floor to reach the highest point of the observatory.

From the observatory, we captured photos of the Mokpo city skyline in three directions, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

3rd Floor Seating Area

Here's a glimpse of the church's interior as seen from the 3rd-floor seating area, showcasing its grandeur.

1st Floor Gift Shop

We picked up a few gifts for the kids from the sacred items shop before leaving.

What started as an accidental detour along our route, drawn in by the stunning architecture, turned out to be the profoundly significant Catholic Mokpo Shrine and Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church. It was only after our visit that I researched its history and truly understood its importance.

Visiting the Catholic Mokpo Shrine, the birthplace of the Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju, with my family was an incredibly meaningful experience.

After leaving the church, we headed to the Memorial Tower, which was so beautiful I've decided to dedicate a separate post to it. I'll be back soon with that story!