Daegu Christian History Museum (Daegu First Church)

Daegu First Church was founded in 1893 and is the first church in Gyeongsangbuk-do and Daegu. It stands in the middle of the Yangnyeongsi herbal medicine alley, together with the Yangnyeongsi Oriental Medicine Museum and the Daegu Gyonam YMCA Hall. It faces Gyesan Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral in Daegu, across Seoseong-ro. In the past it was also called Seongnae Church because it stood inside the fortress walls, and Namunan Chapel or Namunnae Church because it was located inside the South Gate.
The building, designed in a typical Gothic style, evokes an exotic feel reminiscent of Western Europe. It has two floors, with a bell tower that rises five stories and stands 33 meters tall. Due to its location, it becomes a major tourist attraction during events such as the Daegu Herbal Medicine Culture Festival and other major city festivals. It is also included in city tours and modern Daegu alleyway routes, attracting many visitors. The first chapel was established in 1896 by purchasing and repurposing an existing traditional Korean house, which was then named the Namseong Church. In 1908, the second chapel was built. This second chapel was a single-story building constructed by American missionaries and Korean traditional carpenters. It featured a bell tower in the center of the church's facade, with long, vertical windows arranged symmetrically on either side. The building's iron roof, windows, and bell tower were considered very unique and awe-inspiring by the residents of Daegu at the time, and served as a popular sight for many years. However, it was demolished in 1931, and a new, two-story building was completed in 1933 to serve as the third chapel, which was then renamed the Jeil Church.
In 1936, a Gothic-style bell tower was added, giving the building its current appearance. The bell tower features differently designed windows on each of its five floors, and an octagonal spire tops the structure. Due to these unique characteristics and its historical significance, the church and bell tower were designated as Daegu Cultural Heritage Site No. 30 in 1992. The building's overall design is a simple Gothic structure with a rectangular floor plan that is longer from north to south, a central entrance on the front facade, and a bell tower on the right side. Daegu First Church is the oldest church building in Daegu and serves as a symbol of Christianity's contribution to modernization, making it a valuable resource for the study of modern architecture. In 1994, the main sanctuary was relocated to Dongsan-dong, a location that had been used by Daegu First Church for over a century. It is now operated as a Christian History Museum, located next to the Yaknyeong Traditional Medicine Museum. The Christian History Museum displays various artifacts from the period of modernization, including Bibles, hymns, and collection boxes, along with photographs from that era. It also features records and exhibits detailing the history, lineage, and missionary activities of Daegu First Church. As a church that participated in the March 1st Movement in 1919, the museum also offers an interactive space where visitors can view replicas of the Korean Declaration of Independence.

Details

Admission fee

Free

Restroom

Yes

Foreign language guide service

English

Accessible travel information

Machine-translated from Korean.

Mobility

Parking

Reserved parking for people with disabilities available_Barrier-free facilities

Access route

경사로 있음

Restroom

장애인용화장실 있음