Anseong Cathedral

Anseong Cathedral was first built in 1901 by French priest Father Combert. The current building was rebuilt in 1922 using some of the wood and tiles from the Dongan Hall, which was located in Sinan-ri, Bogae-myeon. It has a long cross-shaped floor plan with wings that do not protrude significantly, making it nearly square overall. The entrance is located on the west side, with the congregation seating in the center and the altar at the east end, similar to the spatial structure of Western cathedrals. The congregation seating consists of a nave with high columns lined up on the left and right, and side aisles beside them. The upper gallery of the side aisles is equipped with railings, and high windows for lighting are installed on the sides. The altar is not separated from the congregation seating, and the interior ceiling is all in a flat panel style. The structure is framed with wooden columns and beams fitted together, finished with plaster walls, and fireproof walls are installed below the windows. The roof has rafters and is covered with Korean-style tiles, with relatively short eaves. In 1955, the front entrance and bell tower were remodeled in a Romanesque style. This cathedral follows the form of Western Catholic cathedrals but is an eclectic building that applies traditional methods in materials and construction, making it a valuable resource for the study of cathedral architecture.