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Highlights
Spend 11 days on a Catholic pilgrimage of South Korea’s holy grounds on this guided tour
Start and end your pilgrimage in the capital city of Seoul, where you’ll discover the birthplace of Catholicism in South Korea.
Explore South Korea’s Catholic “holy grounds” from Saenamteo to Mirinae.
Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences as you visit churches, museums, temples, and fortresses.
Come to understand the essence of Catholicism in South Korea from ancient times to the present day.
The South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour is a unique adventure that invites you to experience the cultural landscapes of South Korea through the lens of Catholicism. The 11-day guided pilgrimage will introduce you to the country's most significant Catholic landmarks as you embark on a mesmerizing journey of its churches and holy grounds.
The pilgrimage begins in Seoul, where you'll discover the roots of Catholicism with a visit to the Myeongdon Cathedral, the first-ever Roman Catholic parish in South Korea. Unlike many other famous pilgrimages, you'll be travelling primarily in a private vehicle, allowing you to cover great distances and experience several regions over the course of 11 days.
Explore South Korean culture during immersive visits to temples, palaces, and museums, complimenting your exploration of Catholicism in South Korea with an exploration of Buddhism and mainstream South Korean culture.
Whether you're embarking on a spiritual journey or are just interested in studying a significant world religion, the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage is a unique opportunity to experience this fascinating country and some of its lesser-known highlights!
The South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour is a unique adventure that invites you to experience the cultural landscapes of South Korea through the lens of Catholicism. The 11-day guided pilgrimage will introduce you to the country's most significant Catholic landmarks as you embark on a mesmerizing journey of its churches and holy grounds.
The pilgrimage begins in Seoul, where you'll discover the roots of Catholicism with a visit to the Myeongdon Cathedral, the first-ever Roman Catholic parish in South Korea. Unlike many other famous pilgrimages, you'll be travelling primarily in a private vehicle, allowing you to cover great distances and experience several regions over the course of 11 days.
Explore South Korean culture during immersive visits to temples, palaces, and museums, complimenting your exploration of Catholicism in South Korea with an exploration of Buddhism and mainstream South Korean culture.
Whether you're embarking on a spiritual journey or are just interested in studying a significant world religion, the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage is a unique opportunity to experience this fascinating country and some of its lesser-known highlights!
Read more
South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your Catholic Pilgrimage of South Korea begins in the vivacious capital city of Seoul.
Arrive at the Incheon International Airport, where your tour guide will greet you. A private transfer will then take you to your first hotel in Seoul.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Seoul
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Visit the First Roman Catholic Parish Church in South Korea
Catholicism in South Korea has an arduous past, as its early years were marked primarily by persecution and martyrdom. Today you’ll have the opportunity to visit the very first Roman Catholic parish church in South Korea, the Myeongdon Cathedral in Seoul, a fitting start to your Catholic pilgrimage!
Later in the day, you’ll make your way to the Saenamteo Holy Ground, where several critical South Korean catholic figureheads were martyred in the 19th century.
Your exploration of Seoul continues with visits to Gwanghwamun Plaza, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the colourful Insadong District.
With your appetite well worked up, finish off the day at the Gwangjang Market, seeking out some tasty Korean snacks from the nearly 5000 vendors that call this bustling street market home!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Seoul
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Discover Korea’s Catholic Heritage in Seoul
Trace the footsteps of Korea’s earliest Catholic believers as you visit key martyr sites in Seoul, including Seosomun Martyrs’ Site, Danggogae Shrine, Saenamteo Holy Ground, Jeoldusan Shrine, and Samseongsan Shrine. Reflect on their courage, faith, and enduring legacy while exploring these historic and spiritually significant locations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Seoul
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Seoul – Gwangju – Anseong – Pyeongtaek
Visit Cheonjinam, the birthplace of Korean Catholicism, and Mirinae, a historic gathering site. See the grave of Father Kim Daegeon, the cathedral commemorating 103 saints, and Gethsemane Hill, reflecting on the courage and devotion of Korea’s early Catholics.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pyeongtaek
Distance: 170km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Pyeongtaek – Dangjin – Haemi – Boryeong
Today, you’ll visit Solmoe Holy Ground, the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic priest. Walk among the pine trees along the Path of the Cross, visit the memorial hall showcasing documents on early Korean Catholic martyrs, and see the statue of St. Andrew Kim holding the Gospel.
This sacred site is of major historical and spiritual significance, honored even by Pope Francis during his visit to Korea. Take time to reflect, pray, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing to Boryeong for your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Boryeong
Distance: 160km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Boryeong – Buyeo – Iksan – Jeonju
Today you’ll journey through Korea’s rich history and culture. Stop in Buyeo, the heart of Baekje culture, and explore ancient temples and the Buyeo National Museum, home to exquisite relics from over 1,500 years ago.
In Iksan, visit the Neobawi Shrine and Nabawi Cathedral, significant sites in the early history of Catholicism in Korea.
Finally, arrive in Jeonju, where you’ll explore Jeonju Hanok Village and the historic Jeondong Catholic Church, experiencing the city’s traditional charm and cultural heritage.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Jeonju
Distance: 140km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle Jeonju to Gwangju
Today you’ll travel south to Gwangju, a city rich in history and faith. Visit Namdong Catholic Church, known for its role during the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, where it served as a gathering place for citizens seeking peace and justice. Pause at the May 18 National Cemetery, a solemn memorial honoring the victims of the uprising, and take a moment to reflect on Korea’s journey toward human rights and democracy.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gwangju
Distance: 120km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Gwangju – Gokseong – Jinju – Busan
Today you’ll journey south through Gokseong, site of the historic Jeonghae Persecution of 1827, and visit Gokseong Catholic Church, honoring those who kept their faith under severe oppression. Stop at Okbong Catholic Church near Jinju, a red-brick neo-Gothic church built in 1933 and expanded over time, reflecting the growth of the local Catholic community. Your day concludes in Busan, Korea’s bustling coastal city and largest port, framed by mountains and ocean, where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Busan
Distance: 310km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Explore Busan – History, Culture & Coastal Charm
Start your day at Oryundae Martyrs Shrine, exploring Korea’s Catholic history, relics, and stories of early martyrs. See the half-scale replica boat “Raphael,” used by early priests traveling from Shanghai, and visit the graveyard of 8 martyrs executed in 1868.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Busan
Distance: 310km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Busan – Seoul
Enjoy some leisure time to pack before taking the high-speed train back to Seoul, with the rest of the day free for your own activities.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Seoul
Distance: 310km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Departure
It’s time to say farewell this morning as your Catholic pilgrimage in South Korea comes to an end. A private transfer will take you to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour The departures are available starting daily from April 1 to October 31, 2026.
The starting price for four people sharing two double or twin rooms is USD6765 per person.
Accommodation on the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour
This tour is based in 3-star and 4-star hotels. The hotels offer pleasant private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and either basic or modern amenities.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of EUR890 to have a private room in a hotel where possible. The minimum group size on this tour is 4 people.
What’s Included in the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included on this tour. Accommodations before or after the tour in South Korea are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
All transportation during the tour is included on a private vehicle basis, including airport transfers and all necessary luggage transfers between hotels during the tour.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees to excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- High-speed train transportation as specified
Not included
- Flights to and from South Korea
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room upgrades
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- How hard is the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
- Are meals included on the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Seoul to start this tour?
- Where does the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour end?
- Is the South Korea Catholic Pilgrimage Tour in English?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to South Korea?
- Are there any travel restrictions for South Korea?
- When is the best time to travel to South Korea for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. You will spend a considerable amount of time exploring on foot, but the walking is not particularly strenuous and long distances are covered by vehicle.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
10 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Arrive at the Incheon International Airport (ICN) where you’ll be met by your tour guide, who will take you to your first accommodations in Seoul via private transfer.
The tour ends in Seoul. A private transfer will take you from your accommodations in Seoul to the Incheon International Airport (ICN) to depart.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to South Korea for this tour is either the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is warm and mild. Summer brings monsoon rains and high temperatures.
Customer Ratings
EXODUS DMC offers a full spectrum of services to travellers in South Korea. They have been offering quality service to travellers from all walks of life for two decades and have established a track record of excellent service.
With 20 years of experience, extensive local knowledge, plenty of resources, a strong network, and lasting connections to a wide variety of local suppliers, EXODUS is committed to bringing travellers top-quality service and extraordinary value.
Exploring Korea with EXODUS DMC is not just rewarding, but also easy, as they’re constantly at your beck and call while you travel. They strive for your total satisfaction and offer unbeatable quality in all that they do.
