Mirinae Catholic Holy Land

A peaceful place of history to visit with your child, Mirinae Holy Site

The story of Mirinae Holy Site

Mirinae Holy Site is located at 420 Mirinae Seongji-ro, Yangseong-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. It is the burial site of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean Catholic priest and a martyr, making it a meaningful place where families can feel the deep breath of history together. For children in particular, it is more than a religious site. It is also a place where they can naturally experience Korea's painful history and the value of peace.

The meaning of the name Mirinae

Mirinae is a pure Korean word meaning the Milky Way. During the Joseon period, when Catholics hid in this mountain valley to escape persecution, the lanterns they lit at night looked like the Milky Way, which is how the place got its name. Because of that, this is a place where you can feel a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Main highlights of Mirinae Holy Site

1. Saint Joseph Church

   • This stone church has a history of more than 100 years, and it stands out for its beautiful exterior and tranquil atmosphere.

2. Father Kim Tae-gon's tomb

   • The first Korean priest, Father Kim Tae-gon, is buried here along with his mother, Bishop Ferreol who ordained him, and 16 unnamed martyrs.

3. Church commemorating the canonization of 103 saints

   • This church honors 103 saints who were martyred during the persecutions of the late Joseon period. Built in 1989, it shares their stories through various sculptures and murals, making it an educational place for children to learn history.

4. Bronze sculptures of the Way of the Cross

   • Fifteen bronze sculptures depicting the suffering of Jesus are installed outdoors, so your family can take a walk, enjoy nature, and learn history at the same time.

5. Wide lawn plaza and Rosary Prayer Path

   • There is a spacious grassy field where children can run around and walking paths in nature, making it a great fit for families.

Visitor information and atmosphere

• Hours: Every day 09:00-17:00
• Parking: A very large parking lot is provided free of charge, so the whole family can visit conveniently.
• Atmosphere: Located on a quiet mountain slope surrounded by mountains on all sides, it has a calm and peaceful vibe. It is also relatively close to Seoul and the Gyeonggi area, making it a nice weekend outing destination.

Recommended points for visiting with your child

• There are many easy walking paths and outdoor benches for resting, so even young children can visit comfortably.
• When visiting the church and tombs, children can also learn respectful behavior, making it a valuable experience.
• The scenery changes with each season, so it is also a lovely place for nature learning.

Helpful tips for visitors

• The parking lot is very large.
• It is known as a famous autumn foliage spot even beyond its religious meaning.
• The best time to visit is from late October to early November, when the fall colors are at their most vibrant.
• Anyone can enter regardless of religion, and the walking paths make it a great place to stroll with children.
• There are wooden benches and tables, so you can enjoy a simple packed lunch.
• Since it is a church site, it is better to walk quietly rather than speak loudly.
• It is well known for its autumn foliage, but it is also beautifully decorated during the Christmas season, making it great for photos.

Closing

"Mirinae Holy Site is a special place where families, especially those with children, can experience deep peace, historical learning, and the beauty of nature all at once, regardless of religion. It is highly recommended as an outing course where you can enjoy a quiet walk, play on the wide lawn, and reflect on the meaning of our history through the stories of the martyrs."