Patron Saint of Korea

Category: Countries & Regions

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Korea" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saint of Korea

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions

Feast Day
September 20

Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions is invoked as patron of Korea. Catholicism reached Korea in the eighteenth century by way of Korean ambassadors who encountered the faith in Beijing. By 1784, when the lay scholar Yi Sung-hun was baptized and returned home, a community had formed without the presence of priests. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19840506_korean-martyrs.html.

Read full biography of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of korea?

Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions is the primary patron saint of korea. Their feast day is September 20.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.