Nikolai Alexeyevitch Swischy, the Secretary of the Russian diplomatic mission in Seoul, had the idea to establish an Orthodox mission in Korea. Swischy sent a lengthy memorandum to his superiors in the spring of 1889, in which he persuaded them to establish a Russian Orthodox Mission in Korea. The Ecumenical Patriarchate took the Orthodox Church of Korea under its pastoral care in 1955, at the request of the Korean Orthodox faithful, and this care has continued unabated to this day.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew have jurisdiction over the Korean Metropolis. The Patriarchate is currently housed in Phanar, Istanbul's northern district (formerly Constantinople).
Since the Orthodox church is not well known in Korea, unfortunately only two parishes are located at the same address in Seoul.
One is Saint Nicholas (정교회 성 니콜라스 대성당) while the other is called Saint Maxim. However, throughout the whole Korean peninsula, there are several other places where you can find a similar church.
On their website, you can also find the schedule for every month and you can download the Orthodox calendar.
The church is located in the middle of Seoul, near Gondeok and Aeogae station, in Mapo-gu. Also, you can get off the bus at the Mapo Police office station and walk up the hill near it to get to the church.
Be aware that most sermons are in the Russian language since this is a Russian Orthodox church and not a Greek one. But people there know English and Korean and you can find a place to pray in peace for your loved ones. Also, you can buy candles to be lit inside the church for 1,000 KRW a piece (make sure to have cash since they don't accept cards). During special occasions, they also have a buffet and you can enjoy some traditional food.
This is the only one in Seoul, so if you find yourself to be an Orthodox, or you want to visit a church you can totally go there. Make sure to pay your respect since it is a place of worship.
Contact information:
정교회 성 니콜라스 대성당
43, Mapo-daero, 18-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-362-6371 orthodoxkorea@gmail.com
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