Saint19th century · Feast September 20

St Andrew Kim Taegon

Also known as Kim Taegŏn Andrea, Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Saint Andrew Kim

Priest

First Korean Catholic priest

Martyr

The first Korean Catholic priest, formed abroad because the Church was forbidden and martyred shortly after returning home.

A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.

The story of their life

The first Korean Catholic priest, formed abroad because the Church was forbidden and martyred shortly after returning home. Korean Catholicism initially spread through lay study and endured repeated state persecution and closed borders.

Historical context

Korean Catholicism initially spread through lay study and endured repeated state persecution and closed borders.

Defining moments

Growing up in a martyr family
Crossing borders for formation
Receiving ordination
Returning secretly to Korea
Guiding missionaries

Faith and spirituality

Vocation under persecution, courage across borders and loyalty to a hidden community.

Why this saint matters today

A strong companion for Korean Catholics, priests and people pursuing a vocation when institutions are inaccessible.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Andrew Kim Taegon in matters of:

Korean clergy

Korean Catholics

Persecuted Christians

A prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Andrew Kim Taegon, guide us in truth, courage and love. Amen.

Timeline

Sources and further reading

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

Source-quality status: unverified prototype