EXODUS DMC-tour-SPECIAL INTEREST

SPECIAL INTEREST

Catholic Pilgrim (B) 11 days

Tour Highlights

Myeongdong Cathedral
Pilgrim Walk of Holy Sites
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Jeoldusan Beheading Hill
Saenamteo Holy Ground
Cheonjinam holy ground
Mirinae holy ground
Solmoe Holy Ground
Haemi Fortress
Yeosutgol holy ground
Galmaemot holy ground
Jeongrimsa Pagoda
Buyeo National Museum
Neobawi holy ground
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeongdong Catholic Church
Pungnammun gate
Namdong Cathedral
May 18 National Cemetery
Gokseong Catholic Church
Okbong Cathedral
Oryundae Martyr Memorial
Yongdusan Park
Jagalchi Fish Market
Gamcheon Cultue Village

Click on the days to access the programs quick

Days	Visits and Activities	Distance
Day 1	Arrive Seoul	60km
Day 2	Seoul
Day 3	Seoul
Day 4	Seoul - Gwangju - Anseong - Pyeongtaek	170km
Day 5	Pyeongtaek - Dangjin - Haemi - Boryeong	160km
Day 6	Boryeong - Buyeo - Iksan - Jeonju	140km
Day 7	Jeonju - Gwangju	120km
Day 8	Gwangju - Gokseong - Jinju - Busan	310km
Day 9	Busan
Day 10	Busan - Seoul	450km
Day 11	Departure	60km

Day 1 Arrive Seoul (- - -) 60km
Touching down at Incheon International Airport places you in the heart of Korea. After you clear Passport and Customs control, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and then transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Seoul (B)
Catholicism in Korea had a violent and turbulent beginning. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Catholicism was regarded as an evil practice for prioritising the word of God over the commands of the king, and a series of Catholic persecutions ensued. Its early years were marked by severe persecution, with many followers executed during major crackdowns in 1791, 1801, 1839, 1846, and 1866. Despite these hardships, the faith persisted. In 1882, the government gave tacit consent to religious freedom for Catholics, which was officially recognized in 1886. From that point on, the Catholic Church in Korea was able to serve both the Korean people and society more broadly. A distinctive feature of the Korean Church is that it was founded entirely by laypeople, rather than missionaries or clergy.

In September 2013, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, along with the city of Seoul, created a 44.1km ‘Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Route’ (a series of 3 pilgrimage walks; The Good News Road, Eternal Life Road, The Unity Road) to coincide with the Pope’s visit in 2014. Five years later, on September 14, 2018, it was approved as a World Official Pilgrimage by the Vatican.

The pilgrimage walk begins with a visit and Mass at the Myeongdong Cathedral, the birthplace of the Korean Catholic community. The Cathedral holds the remains of Catholic martyrs who gave their lives to realise their religious beliefs. It is Korea's first Gothic building and an important milestone in the country's architectural history.

Walk on to visit the sites of the homes of Thomas Kim Beom-u, Korea’s first evangelist, and John the Baptist Yi Byeok’s house, the site of the first baptisms in Korea. The journey continues to Jongno Catholic Church and Seokjeong Boreum Well whose waters Fr James Zhou Wen-mo, the first priest and missionary to evangelise in Korea, blessed for the celebration of the sacrament of baptism. Pilgrims are then invited to spend time in Gahoe-dong Catholic Church in Gye-dong. The Church is built in the area where Fr Zhou ministered and provides an opportunity to quietly meditate on both the life and martyrdom of Fr Zhou and the early believers to whom he ministered.

In the afternoon, step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and discover Gyeongbokgung Palace built in 1395, a particularly charming spot that represents a colorful and turbulent side of the capital's 500-year history.

Day 3 Seoul (B)
Another day of pilgrimage walk in Seoul. The route retains the traces of the history of these persecutions, includes the historically significant Seosomun Martyrs’ Site where the largest number of Catholic believers were executed by beheading. Also found along the road are the Site of Hyeongjo, the Site of the Right Podocheong, and the Site of the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor’s Office.

Martyrdom is the ultimate testimony to one’s faith, and many Catholic believers, in seeking the noble truth, sacrificed their lives, steadfast in their hope and belief in the ‘eternal life’ offered by Jesus Christ. Although the forefathers of faith died as martyrs, they were also on a journey to attaining everlasting life and thus this route has been named the
Eternal Life Road.
The pilgrimage continues by coach to Danggogae Martyrs’ Shrine, which produced the third-largest number of martyred saints in Korea. The journey proceeds past Waegogae Shrine, where ten martyrs remained buried for decades. At Saenamteo, eleven clergy were martyred, along with three lay leaders of the Korean Catholic Church. Among them were Father Ju Mun-mo, a Chinese priest sent to Joseon by the Chinese Church; Father Andrew Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean priest; Bishop Laurent-Ambroise-Francois, the second bishop of the Diocese of Joseon; and Saint Carlo Hyeon Seok-mun. Beyond this site flows the Hangang River, along whose banks stands Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine, a place that draws countless pilgrims from across Korea and around the world. The name Jeoldusan means “the place where Catholic believers were beheaded.” Enshrined in the crypt of the chapel are the remains of 27 martyred saints and one unnamed martyr. The pilgrimage concludes at Samseongsan Shrine. Along this route, pilgrims are invited to reflect deeply on their own faith and what it means to follow in the footsteps of the martyrs and imitate their steadfast witness. This section of the journey, linking some of Seoul’s most significant martyrs’ shrines, is known as the Unity Road, encouraging believers to uphold God’s will by following the example of the martyrs.

Day 4 Seoul - Gwangju - Anseong - Pyeongtaek (B) 170km
Today's pilgrim begins with a visit to Cheonjinam where Korean Catholicism was born. Historic records and headstone scripts attest to the place's significance as the Catholic origin of Korea. It is where Lee Byeok, profoundly moved by Matteo Ricci's De Deo Verax Disputatio, turned a study group into a religious gathering in 1779. He also urged Lee Seunghun to be baptized in Beijing, which he did in 1784. Upon his return in the autumn of 1784 with religious books, medals, statues and other holy materials, he in turn baptized Lee Byeok who went on an active proselytizing campaign. His efforts soon drew pressure and threats from the society and the courts, and Lee was soon placed under house arrest. During this time he refused to drink or eat or even change clothes, devoting himself wholly to praying and meditating on Catholicism. But fifteen days of fasting and meditation completely drained him and he passed away on June 14, 1785 (lunar calendar) at the age of 32. He remained true to his faith until his last moment. It is a permanent home of the five founding members Jeong Yakyong, Lee Byeok, Gwon Cheolshin, Gwon Ilshin and Lee Seunghun.

Mirinae is the place where the faithful gathered together and created a community at the time of harshest persecution in 1801 and 1839. At the entrance of Mirinae is a magnificent cathedral built in commemoration of the canonization of 103 saints. Behind the church building features a series of bronze statues that chronicle the tribulations of Jesus from his capture by the Roman soldiers to crucifixion and entombment. You will also see the grave site of martyr Kim Daegeon, and a hall holding father Kim's remains and the Gethsemane hill.

Day 5 Pyeongtaek - Dangjin - Haemi - Boryeong (B) 160Km
Visit Solmoe holy ground is the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Daegeon (1821-1846), the first Korean Catholic priest, and where the Catholic religion took root in Korea. Four generations of the Kim family, all of whom were martyred, were born and lived here. The house stands down by the pine hill and you will see the statue of Pope Francis praying. The Path of the Cross features a mosaic path showing the hands of Jesus and a bronze path on a large scale. A walk up the pine tree road leads to a bronze statue of the priest holding a bible in his left hand and delivering the message of the Gospel. Nearby is the Path of the Cross, symbolizing the path of the ordeal that Jesus had to walk carrying a cross to his crucifixion as detailed in the Christian Bible. The Solmoe Holy Ground memorial hall has on display various documents on the life of Priest Kim Daegeon, detailing the persecution of members of the Korean Catholic Church, and letters and reports on martyrs written by the priest. The Path of the Cross features a mosaic path showing the hands of Jesus and a bronze path on a large scale. This is where many Catholic pilgrims pray or meditate while walking among pine trees. This Holy Ground is of major significance as one of the sites Pope Francis visited during his official visit to Korea. The papal trip is all the more momentous as it is his first visit to Asia and he will only be visiting Korea.

Haemi Fortress and Haemi Martyrdom holy ground - Haemi fortress has been the military base since 1491. Architecture aside, Haemi Fortress's historical importance is closely tied with the history of the Catholic Church in Korea. Catholicism flourished in the area and among the many sacred places of South Chungcheong Province, Haemi, formerly Naepo, was the only location that had an army outpost. It was a strategic military point with a fortress. The Haemi governor had the power to execute people in the name of defending the coast.

The area just outside the Haemi fortress's west gate, Yeosutgol, was used as an execution ground ever since the 1790s. Over 1,000 Catholics were buried alive, drowned and otherwise made dead en masse between 1866 and 1868. The rock to the right of the memorial is particularly macabre - some of the victims were executed by ramming their heads repeatedly into the stone. When the execution ground was overcrowded, Catholic believers, with their hands tied, were pushed into in a pond. The pond is long gone, but the site still remains in the Haemi Martyrdom holy ground. Many bones have been found here, and there are also the teeth of many children. A memorial in the Haemi complex has the remains on display. There is a memorial dedicated to those who martyred here. Pope Francis will visit the Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground and pay his respects at the tombs of the martyrs before celebrating Mass during the Asia Youth Day festival, to be held in the Haemi fortress on August 17, 2014.

The pilgrim today is fairly packed. You will begin your day by paying a visit to Galmaemot holy ground. The five Catholics were decapitated on Good Friday, March 30, 1866; bishop, priests and laity together marching on to God, bleeding. There were many anonymous victims in the persecution period other than the five martyrs listed in the diary of the executed and the five canonized saint martyrs. The name 'Galmaemot' refers to a pond where thirsty horses drank water from. The spiritually thirsty people rather than horses come here to quench their thirst. The depth of the pond is as deep as the pain of the history. The martyrs' religious faith and love filled the pond as a form of essential water of life.

Day 6 Boryeong - Buyeo - Iksan - Jeonju (B) 140km
En route you may have a chance to stop at Buyeo, a melting pot of Baekje culture which is often regarded as the most artistically sophisticated of the Three Kingdoms. Today, you will explore archaeological sites and ancient historic areas, which were collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage sites. Jeongrimsa temple site with its five-storied stone pagoda recalling the glorious past is one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks. At Buyeo National Museum, you will feel the spirit and the essence of the brilliant Baekje culture as you appreciate the beauty of the archaeological relics. A beautiful gilt bronze incense burner is impossible to miss. Crafted over 1,500 years ago, it shows a graceful dignity and the elaborate skills of Baekje craftsmen.

While in Iksan, you will visit Neobawin Shrine where Bishop Ferreol, Father Daveluy, Father Andrew Kim Taegon, and eleven Korean Catholics first arrived in Joseon on October 12, 1845. The shrine reflects the deep faith and missionary spirit of the early Korean Church. The Nabawi Cathedral, completed in 1907, was originally built in the style of a traditional Korean hanok.

Jeonju is a time-honored tradition as well as significant cultural and artistic heritage. There's a plenty of history and artifacts of many kinds to go around. You will explore Jeonju Hankok village, a Korean House complex retaining much of their perfection intact.

Near the entrance of the complex stands a beautiful Jeondong Catholic church of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural design. Completed in 1914, it is one of the oldest and largest Western-style buildings in the region. It was designed by master church builder Victor Lousi Poisnel, the Norman priest whose work in Korea includes Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Just west of the church is the stately Pungnammun gate, where two Catholics, Yun Jichung and Gwan Sangyeon paid for their religion with martyrdom on December 8, 1791, marking the first time in Korea.

Day 7 Jeongju - Gwangju (B) 120km
Today we travel south to Gwangju, a vibrant city of Catholic witness. Namdong Catholic Church is especially well known for its connection to the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980. During that time, the church served as an important gathering place for citizens, activists, and committees working to support the victims and seek a peaceful resolution. Because of this role, it is often referred to as the “5·18 Memorial Church.”

Today, the church functions both as an active parish community and as a meaningful historical site, symbolizing human rights, democracy, and social justice in Korea. Regular Masses and church activities are held, while visitors also come to reflect on its historical importance. 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.

Day 8 Gwangju - Gokseong - Jinju - Busan (B) 310km
Gokseong is the epicenter of the Jeonghae Persecution in 1827, resulted from a strife at the Deoksil village. The persecutions lasted 2 months, but many hundereds of the faith were arrested, but most of them apostatized due to severe supression. However, Magdalena, Lee Seongji, Lee Seongsam, and Lee Gyeongeon kept their faith. On the site of the jail stands Gokseong Catholic church.

Located outside of Jinju, Okbong Catholic church served as an Catholic center affiliated with Masan Cathedral. The history of the Church begins in 1911 with the establishment of the Okbong chapel-of-ease under the jurisdiction of the Masan Catholic Church. After having acquired the status of a parish church in 1926, the current red brick church building was constructed in 1933 and It has been expanded multiple times.
As its congregation steadily grew over time, the church was repeatedly expanded and repaired, resulting in its present form which differs from the original building. In the front, the church features a rectangular bell tower with a spire,
and the windows on the sides of the building were fitted with stained glass in the 1990s. This illustrates the gradual change of the original neo-Gothic design.

Busan is Korea's second largest city surrounded by the ocean on one side, and mountains on the other. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest port in Korea and the fifth largest in the world. It is also a center of industry and commerce, a thriving metropolis formed unusually long in shape along its coastal line.

Day 9 Busan (B)
Visit Oryundae Martyrs Shrine, an excellent facility featuing Catholic history in Korea, Martyrdom, relics and persecursions. A small boat is on display in front of the Martyr's Cathedral next to the museum. This replica boat of half scale, named 'Raphael', was a kind of one used by Father Andrea, St. Kim Daegeon Kim, the first priest in Korea, the priest Ferreol and the priest Daveluy on their way from Shanghai, China. There is a graveyard of 8 martyrs executed in 1868.

The balance of the day is for the exploration of Busan. You will tour the Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower sits atop a hillock of a steep slope, affording 360-degree views of the hilly terrain of this mountainous coastal city and the harbor. Smack dab in the middle of the park stands the statue of Yi Sunsin, who is credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad warship in history. You will also see a flower clock and a Busan citizen's bell that they ring on New Years' Day, March 1 and August 15.

Just off the park is Gwangbokro Street, full of shops selling everything from bargains to luxury items. Adjacent is a maze of small streets alive with color, sidewalks sprinkled with unique shops and local eateries. Enjoy the vibrant ambience as you leisurely make your way to the BIFF square, Busan’s modern movie district having hand prints of the famous movie stars and directors on the sidewalk, movie theaters, trendy shops and street food stalls. The area with originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built over half a century ago had turned into the newly transformed district, and was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996.

Across the street from the square is a fascinating Jagalchi fish market, a great attraction located dockside. Here you will find a diverse array of seafood on display as you walk along the narrow alleys of street vendors. A nearby indoor market features live fish in the tanks and the upstairs are dried fish along with many restaurants selling raw fish at reasonable prices. The market is really a visual and culinary treat.

Later, explore Gamcheon culture village is a colorful hillside communityan built on the side of a hill. Once a poverty-stricken village, it has been spruced up with colorful houses, cafes, murals, galleries and arts shops, sculptures, and scenic views. The atmosphere feels more fun, creative and quirky, less commercial and mercenary. The attraction weaves in and out of back alleys where people still live. It is out of the way, but relatively easy to get to. The artistic vibes in the village in light of its history makes it a culturally distinctive place in an urban city. You can take winding alleys and stairs that form a maze around and through and freely walk up and down hills taking in the views and the culture.

Day 10 Busan - Seoul (B) 450km
With leisurel time to pack, travel back to Seoul on a speed train, and the balance of the day at own pursuit.

Day 11 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, you will return to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.