December Christmas Destination: Gongseri Catholic Church in Asan
The Gongseri Catholic Church is located at 194-1 Gongseri, Inju-myeon, Asan, Chungcheongnam-do.
Hello! With winter upon us, I visited the Gongseri Catholic Church, a place I return to every winter. As December arrived, I felt compelled to see the church again.
During the day, this beautiful Gothic-style building surrounded by ancient trees is a sight to behold. However, in December, it transforms into a stunning Christmas night view destination adorned with vibrant lights, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. A leisurely visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour, so it's advisable to dress warmly to avoid catching a cold. There is plenty of parking available around the church, so parking is not a concern.
As I parked in the lot below the church and walked up, I noticed visitors joyfully taking photos under the dazzling lights. I found myself wishing for different lighting compared to last year. After my visit, I discovered that the church had not fully decorated for Christmas yet. It might be worth returning on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve to see what new lights have been added.
The Gongseri Catholic Church, designated as Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage No. 144, boasts over 130 years of history. It is also a martyrdom site that holds painful memories of the early persecutions of the Korean Catholic Church. Surrounded by centuries-old zelkova and oak trees, it offers a charming and poetic atmosphere year-round.
This year, a new Rudolph photo zone has been added, with a light dusting of snow on the grass, creating a picturesque scene with the white Rudolphs. The bright yellow lights in the background enhance the photo opportunities.
Next to the Rudolph display, there was a snowman photo zone where children were adorably posing on a bench. The fallen leaves on the ground beautifully depicted the transition from autumn to winter, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Santa Claus decorations are a must for Christmas! From Santa appearing to climb the wall to the large lights in front, visiting with children can create wonderful memories.
The nighttime view of the Gongseri Catholic Church, illuminated by yellow lights, gives a starry feel. In the chilly air, I was captivated by the beautiful lights, capturing the various views of the church.
As I descended the path, I came across the Eucharistic Adoration Room, which was elegantly decorated with star-shaped displays.
In front of the church, there is a large star photo zone celebrating the birth of Jesus. This eye-catching star adds a special touch to the atmosphere.
In front of the star, you can see angels and the Three Wise Men bringing gifts. It was a delightful moment to observe the details of the angels up close.
To fully enjoy the Christmas ambiance at Gongseri Catholic Church, I recommend visiting around sunset. Arriving between 5:00 and 5:20 PM in December allows you to witness the majestic view of the red sunset illuminating the red-brick church, the blue evening sky, and the golden night view as the lights turn on. After sunset, you can enjoy a quiet stroll under the warm lights.
The Gongseri Catholic Church was established as the first parish in Chungcheongnam-do in 1922. It has a rich history, starting with Father Pasquier's arrival in the area in 1890, and moving to Gongseri in 1895.
Since its establishment in 1890, the church has played a central role during a time of severe persecution in the Chungcheong area. The Gongseri region is marked by the painful history of numerous martyrs during the four major persecutions of the Joseon Dynasty, including the Sinyu Persecution in 1801 and the Byeongin Persecution in 1866. The martyrdom cemetery within the church grounds serves as a space to honor these sacrifices.
The Gongseri Catholic Church is recognized as one of the most beautiful churches representing South Korea, selected by the Korea Tourism Organization. While enjoying the splendid Christmas night view is delightful, taking a moment to visit the cemetery to reflect on the faith and history the church has upheld for over a century will make your visit more meaningful.
For your information, the interior of the Gongseri Catholic Church is a place for prayer, so it is important to avoid visiting during Mass, dress appropriately, and maintain silence. Pets are not allowed. There are also lovely cafes nearby, so visiting a cafe for drinks and desserts after your trip to the church can be a nice addition.
My time at the Gongseri Catholic Church was peaceful and tranquil. Although it was not fully decorated yet, it left me looking forward to the future.
Every year, there have been large trees on both sides of the church, but this year, they will not be installed. I look forward to seeing what it will look like this year compared to last year's beautiful decorations.
The Gongseri Catholic Church is a beautiful place where you can feel the romance of winter and the warmth of Christmas. I recommend visiting this space filled with over 100 years of history and sparkling lights to create cherished memories with your loved ones!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224112365581
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