Myeongdong Church, Seoul, South Korea

Myeong-dong Church is located in the middle of the tourist center of Seoul. The Gothic Cathedral, built in 1892, is the main church of the Archdiocese of Seoul and the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Community in Korea. The church was built under Emperor Gojong's rule but was funded by the Paris Foreign Missions Association at a cost of $60,000.

Christianity was only introduced to Korea in the 17th century, and Christians went through a very difficult time until the Joseon Dynasty because Buddhism was the main religion of Korea at that time. Many Catholics and foreign missionaries were killed. Currently 25% of the country is Christian, compared with 15% is Buddhist.

Now, the church is surrounded by department stores, street food vendors and themed coffee shops in Seoul's most popular shopping district.