Yeonpung Holy Land
Yeonpung Holy Land Cathedral (연풍순교성지; map; Yeonpung Seongji) sits at the confluence of history and spirituality, nestled between Ihwa Mountain Pass and Sojo Mountain Pass on the edge of Yeonpung Town (연풍면; map) in the middle of the Saejae Bicycle Path and at the beginning of the Ocheon Bike Path. Once a quiet mountain refuge, it has become a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices of early Korean Catholics who endured persecution during the Joseon Dynasty.
This site commemorates the lives of Catholic martyrs through a series of thoughtfully preserved and constructed landmarks. Visitors encounter historic hanok buildings, solemn memorials, and the Hwang Seok-du Cathedral, each element offering a connection to the trials and faith of Korea’s Catholic pioneers. Surrounded by the serene natural beauty of the Sobaek Mountains, Yeonpung Holy Land is both a historical landmark and a spiritual haven.
History
Catholicism entered Korea in the late 1700s, carried by Western missionaries and adopted by Koreans eager to embrace a new spiritual and intellectual tradition. While initially tolerated, the religion’s perceived threat to Confucian norms and social order led the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1897; 대조선국) to initiate a series of persecutions in the 19th century. Thousands of priests and laypeople were executed, accused of undermining traditional values and defying state authority.
During this turbulent time, Yeonpung became a critical refuge. Hidden deep in the Sobaek Mountains, its remote location allowed Catholic leaders to minister to small faith communities in relative secrecy. Among these leaders was Hwang Seok-du (황석두), a prominent layman who supported French missionaries and helped spread the Gospel in the region. However, even in this secluded sanctuary, the reach of persecution was unrelenting. Hwang and many others were captured and martyred during the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, leaving an indelible mark on the site’s history.
Landmarks
Let’s tour some of the landarks you’ll find at Yeonpung Holy Land.
Yeonpung Hyangcheong
The heart of Yeonpung Holy Land is Yeonpung Hyangcheong (연풍향청; map), a hanok house first built in 1601. Its long and varied history reflects the resilience of Korea’s Catholic community. During the persecutions, the house served as a discreet gathering place where preachers conducted masses and sacraments in defiance of government bans.
Later, during Japan’s colonial occupation (1910–1945), the hanok was repurposed as an administrative office. Despite this dark chapter, the building survived into the 20th century and was preserved in 1963 as a Catholic landmark. Today, the meticulously restored hanok offers visitors a tangible connection to the faith and endurance of Korea’s Catholic ancestors.
Hyeonggudol Execution Stones
Unearthed on the grounds of Yeonpung Holy Land, the hyeonggudol stones (형구돌) are chilling artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty’s persecution of Catholics. These large stones, with a conical hole at the center, were instruments of execution. Ropes passed through the stones’ openings were tightened around the torsos of victims, often until they suffocated.
Three of these stones are displayed prominently on the site, preserved as stark reminders of the sacrifices made by early Catholics. Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the courage of the martyrs who endured such brutal treatment for their beliefs.
Hwang Seok-du Cathedral
Constructed in 2016, the Hwang Seok-du Cathedral stands as a modern tribute to one of Yeonpung’s most renowned martyrs. A lay leader during the height of the persecutions, Hwang Seok-du’s (황석두) faith and refusal to renounce his beliefs led to his canonization as one of the 103 Korean Martyred Saints.
The cathedral’s architecture combines reverence and simplicity, with its red brick walls, vaulted wooden ceilings, and vibrant stained glass windows offering a contemplative space for prayer. The cathedral not only memorializes Hwang’s devotion but also serves as a gathering place for today’s faithful.
Other Memorials
In addition to the hyeonggudol stones and the cathedral, Yeonpung Holy Land is home to several monuments honoring Korea’s Catholic martyrs:
- Hwang Seok-du’s Tomb and Statue: A solemn tribute to the steadfastness of one of Korea’s most revered Catholic figures.
- Statues of Five Saints: These sculptures depict five martyrs killed during the Byeongin Persecution (병인박해), their expressions reflecting resilience and faith.
- The 8.5-Meter Crucifix: Perched along the walking paths, this imposing cross symbolizes the endurance of the Catholic faith in Korea and offers a focal point for quiet reflection.
Exploring the Site
Visitors to Yeonpung Holy Land are greeted with a tranquil environment, ideal for reflection and meditation. The quiet paths wind through the historic grounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the site’s history and honor the sacrifices made by its martyrs.
Walking Trails
The walking trails are lined with carefully placed monuments, each telling a story of faith and perseverance. Along the paths, visitors will find a series of crosses and statues that commemorate the lives of the martyrs. These trails encourage moments of pause, inviting visitors to connect with the legacy of those who shaped Korea’s Catholic history.
The Martyrs’ Hill
At the heart of Yeonpung Holy Land is the Martyrs’ Hill, a serene space dedicated to prayer and remembrance. This elevated area provides a quiet retreat, ideal for those seeking solitude or spiritual reflection. The hill’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a meaningful stop on any visit.
Seasonal Beauty
Yeonpung Holy Land transforms with the seasons, offering a unique experience throughout the year. In autumn, the site is adorned with vibrant foliage, as the surrounding trees burst into shades of orange, red, and gold. The golden grass blanketing the grounds adds to the serene and contemplative atmosphere. These seasonal changes further enhance the site’s reflective ambiance, making it a picturesque and spiritually uplifting destination.
By combining natural beauty with historical significance, Yeonpung Holy Land offers visitors a place to honor the past while finding peace in the present.
Visitor Information
- Address: 14 Jungang-ro Hongmun 2-gil, Yeonpung-myeon, Goesan County, Chungcheongbuk-do (충북 괴산군 연풍면 중앙로홍문2길 14).
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Cathedral closes at 5:00 PM).
- Mass Schedule:
- Weekdays: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM
- Contact: 043-833-5061
