Our Lady of the Perpetual Help of Gyodong - The church in the form of a dove of Sokcho

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In Sokcho, near the East Sea, the parish of Gyong is dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Its history links the former Catholic communities of the region with a church conceived as a dove that unfolds its wings to the sea.

The Perpetual Sokcho Relief

The diocese and the Episcopal Conference identify without ambiguity the patronage The Holy SpiritOur Lady of Perpetual Help. The title expresses confidence in the maternal intercession of Mary, always oriented towards Jesus Christ.

The traditional iconography shows the Child by contemplating the instruments of the Passion and taking refuge in the arms of his Mother. Mary does not eliminate suffering, but supports, points to the Son and teaches to trust in redemption.

Catholic roots prior to the parish

The official history of the diocese places the beginning of the evangelization of Sokcho in a community formed in Ssari- jae by faithful who sought refuge during the persecutions of the 19th century.

In 1921, with the arrival of Father Choi Mun-sik, Ssari-jae became a parish. As the headquarters moved to Seomun-ri in Yangon, it became a mission station. This memory precedes several decades of the creation of Gyodong.

A new parish for a changing city

After the Korean war the Catholic population grew. During the 1960s the Sokcho shopping centre moved to Jungang-dong and the existing parish could no longer adequately serve all the faithful.

Gyodong was separated from the parish of Sokcho, today Dongmyeong-dong, at the end of 1966. Its creation thus responded to a concrete urban and pastoral change.

Una paloma que mira al mar

Bishop Thomas Quinlan, already retired from the diocesan government, resided in the place while the church was being built. According to its intention, the building was designed with the figure of a dove that peacefully opens its wings to the East Sea.

The architectural image unites the Spirit, peace and the maritime landscape of Sokcho. It also recalls the situation in a region marked by war and the proximity of the inter-Korean border.

Mary's help leads to Christ

The word "perpetual" does not mean an automatic solution to each difficulty. It expresses the maternal fidelity of Mary within the communion of the saints and the persevering trust of those who ask for help in living the Gospel.

An authentic devotion is not left in the image: it leads to the Eucharist, reconciliation, attention to those who suffer and patient building of peace.

verified location for the map

The diocese and the Episcopal Conference coincide in 75 Subok-ro. The mapping search by the Korean name and Sokcho returns the temple in 38.2004871, 128.5783502.

The city should always be included, as the name Gyodong appears in different Korean localities. This marker corresponds exclusively to Sokcho.

To visit and pray

The diocesan website publishes schedules, but can change. It is recommended to consult them before displacement, respect the celebrations and keep silence inside.

Before the Virgin of Perpetual Relief you can pray for peace on the Korean peninsula, for separated families and for those living by borders. John 19, 25-27 and the painful mysteries of the Rosary are appropriate.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Perpetual Help of Gyodong

Our Lady of Perpetual Relief, extend your protection over Gyodong and the city of Sokcho. Hold those who suffer, bring together the separate families and teach us to work for a true peace. When we feel fear, show us Jesus Christ and help us to remain faithful with Him. Amen.

Sources consulted

• Episcopal Conference of Korea: a parish record.
• Diocese of Chuncheon: history, patronage and architecture.
• Verified temple mapping.
• Paul VI: Christological orientation of Marian piety.

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