Cathedral dedicated to Korean unification to open in Paju

A cathedral with mosaic works made by North Korean artists will open on June 25, the 63rd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Korea announced Monday.

The mosaic works inside the “Catholic Church of Repentance and Redemption” were produced by seven artists of the Mansudae Art Studio, one of the most renowned art groups in the North, in 2007. They depicted martyrs from Pyongyang and Hwanghae Province as well as some from South Korea. The artists have reportedly corresponded with their clients in the South via the Internet every day. After the works were delivered to South Korea, local artists installed the artwork over six months.

“The exterior of the building was taken from Jinsadong Cathedral in Sinuiju, North Pyeongan Province, which was built in 1926. The interior was very much inspired by St. Benedict Monastery in South Hamgyeong Province, which reflects our hopes of peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula,” said Kim Hyun-hun, spokesman of the cathedral.

The building is situated inside the Peace and Unity Center, a Catholic institution dedicated to the unification of two Koreas, which is under construction.

The opening ceremony of the cathedral will be attended by ranking officials of Catholic circles, Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo, Paju Mayor Lee In-jae and others.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)