The name Mirinae translates to 'Milky Way,' referring to the lights seen from homes of secret Catholics in the valley during the Joseon Dynasty persecution.
Saint Kim Dae-geon’s remains were moved to this site in 1901, over 50 years after his execution.
The shrine houses the graves of Bishop Antoine-Nicolas Daveluy and other French missionaries.
The grounds contain an outdoor Stations of the Cross that spans a significant hillside terrain.
The shrine is the site of the first Korean priest's burial, making it the most symbolic location for the Korean Catholic Church.
The onsite church features a distinct architectural style that blends modern Catholic functionalism with subtle Korean traditional motifs.
The shrine is recognized as a place of historical significance within the Archdiocese of Seoul's pilgrimage routes.
Mirinae Shrine is a significant historical site for Korean Catholicism, marking the location where Saint Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean Catholic priest, is interred. The site served as a refuge for early Korean Catholics escaping persecution during the Joseon Dynasty. The grounds feature the Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Heritage site, the Grave of Saint Kim Dae-geon, and a large-scale Rosary Prayer Path. The complex includes the 103 Martyrs’ Church, which honors the saints canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The architecture incorporates traditional Korean aesthetics within a Catholic liturgical framework. Visitors can walk through extensive wooded trails leading to various prayer stations and outdoor statues. The shrine functions as a major pilgrimage destination and a site for spiritual retreats. It is situated in a valley, with the name 'Mirinae' derived from the Korean word for the Milky Way, referencing the lights of early underground believers.
The elevated viewing point near the large statue of the Virgin Mary, which offers a panoramic view of the valley and the church complex.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the shrine grounds are expansive and include hilly, unpaved trails.
Visit the visitor center or chapel entrance to pick up a map of the prayer paths, as the site is very large.
Maintain a quiet demeanor throughout the grounds, as it is an active place of prayer and retreat.
Do not wander off the marked prayer paths into private residential areas or restricted forest sections.
The shrine remains open year-round, though individual retreat centers may have specific reservation requirements.
Modest attire is required; avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts. Keep voices low and refrain from photography inside active prayer chapels.
