Solmoe Holy Ground (Birthplace of Saint Andrew Kim Dae-geon)

About this place

Solmoe is situated in the heart of Naepo, the finest land in Chungcheong Province, and means 'a small pine-covered hill.' Korea's first Catholic priest, Saint Andrew Kim Dae-geon, was born here on August 21, 1821 and lived until the age of seven, when he moved with his grandfather Kim Taek-hyeon to Hangdeokdong (now Golbaemashil), Yongin, to escape religious persecution. In addition, four generations of martyrs lived here: Kim Dae-geon's great-great-grandfather Kim Jin-hu (martyred in 1814), his great-grandfather Kim Han-hyeon (martyred in 1816), his father Kim Je-jun (martyred in 1839), and Kim Dae-geon himself (martyred in 1846). Kim Dae-geon was selected as a seminary student in Golbaemashil, went to Macau to study, was ordained a priest by Bishop Ferréol at Saint Joseph Church in Shanghai in 1845, and returned to Korea in October of that year. He ministered in the Yongin area, and in 1846 was beheaded at Saenamteo at the age of 26. In May 1984, he was canonized during Pope John Paul II's visit to Korea. Under the shade of pine trees at Solmoe Holy Ground stands a statue of Father Kim Dae-geon and a commemorative tower; below is a retreat house accommodating over 100 individuals and groups. A memorial chapel housing the relics of Father Kim Dae-geon has also been newly built.