The site honors three French priests—Laurent-Joseph-Marius Imbert, Jacques-Honoré Chastan, and Pierre-Philibert Maubant—who were the first missionaries to enter Korea.
The three priests were executed at Saenamteo before their remains were secretly buried by followers in this mountain valley.
Remains were moved to the Myeongdong Cathedral in 1901, but the shrine retains its identity as their original burial site.
The location is often called 'Samseongsan Holy Ground' in reference to the three ('sam') saints ('seong').
Catholic Samseongsan Shrine is a site of martyrdom marking the resting place of three French missionaries and a Korean convert executed during the Joseon Dynasty's Byeong-o Persecution in 1846. The sanctuary serves as a significant site of Catholic pilgrimage in South Korea, located on the slopes of Samseongsan Mountain. It features outdoor prayer spaces, a chapel, and memorial areas dedicated to Saint Imbert, Saint Chastan, and Saint Maubant. The site commemorates the route taken by these priests through the rugged mountain terrain before their arrest. Visitors can access the grounds via established hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. The shrine is maintained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul as a place for reflection and memorial services.
The memorial altar and the wooded path leading up to the main shrine area.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the approach involves walking on uneven mountain terrain.
Bring a personal water bottle as amenities are limited on the mountain trail.
Check the official website for scheduled memorial masses that may temporarily restrict access to the main prayer area.
Do not attempt the hike in casual footwear like flip-flops or open-toed sandals.
The site remains open for pilgrims daily, though access may be restricted during extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or typhoons.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as this is a consecrated religious site; dress modestly.
