- 20 September, 2026
South Korea, September 20, 2026: Why are Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang and their companions remembered as powerful witnesses of Christian faith? These Korean martyrs lived during a period when Christianity faced severe persecution, yet they continued to proclaim Christ with courage, humility and unwavering faith.
Their feast is celebrated on September 20, honouring 103 Korean martyrs who gave their lives for the Christian faith. Pope John Paul II canonised Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and their companions in Seoul on 6 May 1984.
Feast Day: September 20
Title: Korean Martyrs
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon: First native Korean Catholic priest and martyr
Saint Paul Chong Hasang: Lay apostle, catechist and martyr
Martyrs: 103 Korean Catholics
Canonised: 6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Known For: Courage, evangelisation, missionary service and martyrdom
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The story of the Korean Church is unusual because the faith was initially spread largely through the efforts of lay people. During the late eighteenth century, Korean scholars encountered Christian writings brought from China. Inspired by what they read, some embraced Christianity and began sharing the faith with others.
By the time a Chinese priest entered Korea in 1794, there were already thousands of Christians. The community continued to grow despite restrictions and persecution.
Andrew Kim Taegon was born in 1821 into a Christian family. He was baptised at the age of 15 and travelled a long distance to Macau to study for the priesthood.
After his formation, Andrew was ordained in Shanghai and became the first native Korean priest. He returned to Korea and worked secretly to serve Christians and help missionaries enter the country.
Christianity was outlawed, and many members of Andrew’s own family had already suffered martyrdom. Eventually, Andrew was arrested, tortured and beheaded in 1846 at the age of 25. Before his death, he encouraged Christians to remain faithful not merely in name but in their lives.
Saint Paul Chong Hasang was born in 1795 and experienced persecution within his own family from a young age. His father and brother died as martyrs.
Paul devoted his life to strengthening the Korean Christian community. He travelled repeatedly to China, seeking priests and missionaries who could serve the growing Church in Korea.
He also appealed to Pope Gregory XVI for greater pastoral care for Korean Catholics.
Arrested during persecution in 1839, Paul firmly defended his Christian faith before the authorities. He was eventually martyred, remaining faithful until death.
The 103 martyrs included bishops, priests and, especially, lay people—men and women, married and unmarried, young and old. Their sacrifices showed that holiness is not limited to clergy or religious communities.
Their witness helped strengthen the young Korean Church, which endured persecution through several decades.
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang and their companions remind Christians that faith can grow even in difficult circumstances. Their lives teach the importance of courage, perseverance, evangelisation and fidelity to Christ.
They also show the important role of ordinary lay people in building the Church. Their example encourages Catholics today to live their faith openly, support those who suffer for their beliefs and remain faithful even when following Christ becomes difficult.
Their story is ultimately a testimony to the power of faith passed from one person to another—from the first Korean believers to generations of Christians who followed them.
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Relevant Keywords: Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang, Korean martyrs, September 20 saints, Korean Catholic Church, Catholic martyrs, Andrew Kim Taegon feast day, Paul Chong Hasang, Korean saints, Catholic feast days
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