The Korean Martyrs and their faith
The Korean Martyrs refers to a group of Roman Catholic Christians in Korea who were persecuted and martyred during the 18th and 19th centuries. They are collectively honored as the “Korean Martyrs.” Among them, two key figures often highlighted are:
- Saint Andrew Kim Taegon – The first Korean-born Catholic priest and one of the most notable martyrs. He was ordained in Shanghai in 1845 and returned to Korea to spread the faith. He was arrested and executed in 1846.
- Saint Paul Chong Hasang – A lay leader who played a crucial role in the spread of Catholicism in Korea. He was also martyred in 1839 during one of the major waves of persecution.
Many of the Korean Martyrs were lay people, including men, women, and children, who endured suffering for their faith. Pope John Paul II canonized 103 of them in 1984, and they are commemorated collectively as Saints of the Korean Church. September 20th is typically the day set aside to honor the Korean Martyrs in the liturgical calendar.
Witnesses of Faith in a Time of Persecution
Their sacrifice is remembered as a testimony to the resilience of faith in the face of severe persecution, and they hold great significance in the history of Christianity in Korea.
Context
Korea’s Early Encounters with Christianity
Christianity came to Korea during the late 16th century, although it didn’t initially enter through foreign missionaries. Unlike many other countries where the faith was introduced by European colonizers or missionaries, Catholicism in Korea took root through an unusual route—Korean scholars. During the late Joseon Dynasty, a group of Korean intellectuals, known as the yangban (noble scholars), were introduced to Catholic teachings through books brought from China by diplomats and scholars. These texts, written by Jesuit missionaries in China, intrigued them, and some began to study Catholicism as part of their search for philosophical and moral answers.
The early converts practiced Christianity in secret, without clergy, conducting their own baptismal ceremonies and even spreading the faith among their peers. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that foreign priests began to arrive clandestinely to minister to the growing number of believers. However, this new faith quickly came into conflict with the rigid, Confucian-based social order of the Korean kingdom, leading to the brutal persecution of Christians that lasted for decades.
The Persecution
Its When and Why
Persecution of Christians in Korea began in earnest during the late 18th century and intensified throughout the 19th century. This period saw waves of violent repression that led to the deaths of thousands of Christians, both foreign and Korean. There are several key reasons for this persecution:
- Confucian Social Order: Korean society during the Joseon Dynasty was deeply rooted in Confucianism, which dictated every aspect of life, from family structure to government. Catholic teachings, such as the equality of all souls before God and the emphasis on monotheism, threatened the hierarchical Confucian norms. For example, Confucian ancestor worship was integral to Korean culture, but Catholics refused to participate in these rituals, as they believed it conflicted with Christian doctrine. This refusal was viewed as a rejection of filial piety, which was central to Korean ethics.
- Political Suspicion: The Joseon rulers saw Catholicism as a foreign influence that could undermine the stability of the state. Catholic converts were perceived as loyal to foreign powers, especially after the arrival of French missionaries. Christianity was viewed as a threat to the kingdom’s sovereignty and as a form of foreign cultural imperialism.
- Self-Isolation Policy: Korea, often called the “Hermit Kingdom” during this period, maintained a policy of self-isolation. Foreign influences, especially Western ones, were strictly prohibited. The arrival of foreign missionaries from France, who had entered the country illegally to serve the growing Catholic community, heightened fears of external interference. The ruling class saw Christianity as not only a spiritual threat but a political one, capable of undermining the kingdom’s isolationist policies.
The Martyrs
Who They Were
The persecution of Christians reached a peak in the 19th century, particularly during the Byeongin Persecution (1866), which saw thousands of believers martyred. Among them, two prominent figures stand out, though many others, including laypeople and children, displayed remarkable courage and faith in the face of death.
- Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846)
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon was the first native-born Korean priest and one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Korean Catholic Church. Born into a family that had already converted to Catholicism, Kim was exposed to the faith from an early age. His father, Ignatius Kim, was also martyred for his faith when Andrew was just a child. Despite the dangers, Andrew Kim Taegon was determined to serve the growing community of Korean Catholics.
He traveled to Macau, China, where he studied theology and was ordained a priest in Shanghai in 1845. He returned to Korea secretly and began ministering to the faithful, conducting Masses and administering sacraments in secret. However, in 1846, he was arrested by the Korean authorities. After enduring torture, he was beheaded at the age of 25 near Seoul.
Before his execution, Andrew Kim Taegon wrote a letter to his fellow Christians, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the persecution. His legacy as a priest and martyr became a source of inspiration for generations of Korean Catholics.
- Saint Paul Chong Hasang (1795–1839)
Another key figure among the Korean martyrs is Saint Paul Chong Hasang, a lay leader who played a crucial role in keeping the Catholic faith alive during times of persecution. He was the son of a martyr, Augustine Chong, and his entire family suffered for their faith. After his father’s martyrdom, Paul Chong made several attempts to bring foreign priests into Korea to help the Catholic community.
He even wrote letters to the Pope, requesting more clergy to serve the growing number of believers in Korea. Paul Chong Hasang was deeply committed to his faith and to spreading the Gospel, despite the increasing dangers. In 1839, during another wave of persecution, he was arrested and executed, along with many other Catholics.
Where
The Locations of Martyrdom
The martyrdoms occurred primarily in and around Seoul, Korea’s capital, where the Catholic community had grown significantly. Places like Saenamteo on the Han River and the execution grounds at Jeoldusan became infamous for the number of Christians who were executed there. These locations are now sites of pilgrimage for Catholics in Korea and around the world. Saenamteo, in particular, became a significant symbol of the faith’s endurance in Korea, as many foreign missionaries were martyred there alongside Korean converts.
The Legacy
Why They Are Remembered
The martyrdom of these early Korean Christians is significant not only because of the sheer number of people who suffered for their beliefs but because of the depth of their faith and the courage they displayed in the face of brutal persecution. These martyrs were from all walks of life—nobles, farmers, men, women, and even children. What united them was their shared faith in God and their unwavering commitment to Christianity, despite knowing it would likely lead to their deaths.
The Korean Martyrs are remembered today for several key reasons:
- Testimony to Faith: Their stories are a testament to the power of faith in overcoming fear and persecution. These individuals chose to embrace a new religion that promised them eternal life, even though it meant suffering in this world.
- Cultural and Religious Transformation: The martyrdom of these Christians marked the beginning of a profound transformation in Korean society. Despite the persecution, the number of Catholics continued to grow, and today, South Korea has one of the largest Christian populations in Asia. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for the future growth of the church in Korea.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: The Korean Martyrs, canonized as saints by Pope John Paul II in 1984, continue to inspire Christians around the world. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20th, and they are venerated not only in Korea but globally.
The story of the Korean Martyrs is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. In the face of severe persecution, they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christianity, despite knowing the cost. Their legacy continues to shape the Christian community in Korea today, where Catholicism thrives as a florishing tree.
How can we illustrate their courage?
To illustrate the Korean Martyrs in a Korean style while emphasizing their courage, try the following visual elements and artistic choices:
- Setting and Background: The scene could be set against a historical Korean landscape, perhaps a rural village or mountainous backdrop, reminiscent of 18th and 19th-century Korea, when the persecutions took place. You might include traditional Korean homes (hanok) and nature, with ominous elements like dark clouds or a looming fortress symbolizing oppression.
- Martyrs in Traditional Garb: The Korean Martyrs should be depicted in traditional Korean clothing, such as hanbok (with its vibrant yet dignified colors) or gat, the traditional Korean hat. Their posture and expressions would convey their deep inner strength, faith, and unwavering resolve despite the imminent danger.
- Expressions and Gestures: The martyrs’ faces would display a combination of calm, serene determination, and unyielding courage. Their eyes should convey the depth of their faith. Some could be standing tall with hands clasped in prayer or holding symbols of faith like rosaries or crosses, while others could be kneeling in quiet defiance, suggesting their readiness to embrace martyrdom.
- Symbolic Imagery: To highlight their courage, you could use symbolism like bright light surrounding the martyrs, in contrast to the dark tones of their persecutors. The light can be soft, representing divine protection or a heavenly glow, giving the scene a spiritual undertone. The persecutors, in darker, more shadowed garb, would be distant in the background, emphasizing the moral and spiritual strength of the martyrs.
- Korean Art Influence: The illustration could draw from the simplicity and elegance of minhwa (Korean folk painting), which uses bold lines and flat colors, as well as traditional brushwork that emphasizes form and movement over intricate detail. The natural beauty of the Korean landscape can be hinted at through minimalistic, flowing lines, giving the illustration a sense of serenity, which contrasts the tension of the scene.
- Depiction of Trials and Sacrifice: You might include subtle references to the trials they endured, such as shadows of chains, or faint marks of wounds, which symbolize their persecution. However, these should not overshadow the focus on their courage and dignity. Their posture should suggest an unbroken spirit.
In essence, the image would combine the dignified simplicity and elegance of traditional Korean art with strong emotional expressions of defiance, faith, and courage. The martyrs’ inner light and spiritual strength would shine through the surrounding darkness, highlighting their bravery in the face of overwhelming persecution.
Online resources
To explore more about the Korean Martyrs and their remarkable faith, there are several valuable online resources:
- Wikipedia’s page on the Korean Martyrs offers an extensive overview of the history, persecutions, and canonizations, including details on significant martyrs like St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea’s first native priest, and lay leader Paul Chong Hasang (Wikipedia).
- Vatican News shares the inspiring stories of these martyrs, highlighting the growth of the early Christian community in Korea despite persecution and the leadership of figures like Andrew Kim Taegon, who was beheaded at age 25 (Vatican News).
- Franciscan Media provides biographical stories of Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions, describing the challenges they faced in spreading Christianity in Korea and the significance of their martyrdom (Franciscan Media).
- Catholic Culture delves into personal stories of martyrs like Yu Chin-gil Augustine, a government official who converted to Christianity after deep philosophical searching, providing a window into the spiritual journey that led many to faith despite harsh persecution (Catholic News & Commentary).
These resources provide both historical and personal perspectives on the courage and faith of the Korean Martyrs.
Dedicated prayers
There are several prayers dedicated to the Korean Martyrs. One of the most well-known prayers asks for their intercession and celebrates their steadfast faith in the face of persecution. Here is a brief excerpt from one such prayer:
Prayer to the Korean Martyrs
“O God, who have been pleased to increase your adopted children in all the world, and who made the blood of the holy martyrs Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions a most fruitful seed of Christians, grant that we may be defended by their help and profit always from their example...”
This prayer calls for strength and guidance, seeking the intercession of the Korean Martyrs to remain strong in faith.
You can find the full version of this prayer on Catholic resources like Catholic Online and other devotional sites. It is often recited on September 20, their feast day.
There are, of course, many prayers in Korean dedicated to the Korean Martyrs, which reflect their courage and faith. A common prayer that is recited in Korean includes a petition for the intercession of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions.
Here is a short excerpt of a typical prayer in Korean:
한국 순교자들에게 바치는 기도
“하느님, 순교자 성 안드레아 김대건, 성 바오로 정하상과 동료 성인들의 피를 거름 삼아 한국 교회가 자라게 하셨으니, 그들의 전구를 들어주시어 저희도 굳건한 믿음으로 주님을 증거하게 하소서. 아멘.“
This prayer asks for the grace to witness faith with the same strength as the martyrs did.
For more detailed prayers and devotional content in Korean, you can explore Korean Catholic resources or visit websites like Catholic Korean Martyrs Shrine which often feature prayers and devotionals in the local language.
Here is a translation of the excerpt from the Korean prayer I shared:
Prayer to the Korean Martyrs
“O God, You have nurtured the Church in Korea with the blood of the holy martyrs St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions. Grant us, through their intercession, the strength to bear witness to You with firm faith. Amen.“
This prayer reflects a request for the intercession of the Korean Martyrs, asking for the grace to be steadfast in faith just as they were in the face of persecution.
For a more detailed version of the prayer in Korean, you can explore devotional Catholic resources, which often provide the full texts.
Another beautiful Korean prayer dedicated to the Korean Martyrs, often recited in Korean Catholic communities. Here is a translation of this common prayer honoring the martyrs:
Prayer to the Korean Martyrs
“O God, through the blood of the Korean martyrs, you have nurtured the Church in Korea. Through their intercession, grant that we too may live with strong faith and witness to Your love. May their example of courage and fidelity inspire us in our daily lives. Amen.”
For those seeking Catholic resources in English that provide more prayers and information about the Korean Martyrs, websites such as Catholic Online and Vatican News offer comprehensive material, including the historical background, prayers, and feast day celebrations. These resources offer rich insights into the courage and faith of the Korean Martyrs and how their legacy continues to inspire the faithful today.
May their example of courage and fidelity inspire us in our daily lives. Amen.
In humble remembrance of a wonderful meeting with Jacky, a Korean catholic christian. God bless you and your country! Keep the faith! 🙏🏼❤️
