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Marist Brothers • East Asia

SOUTH

KOREA

"Faith and Community in the Land of Morning Calm"

South Korea has one of the most vibrant Catholic communities in Asia. The Marist Brothers bring their educational charism to this dynamic context, collaborating with the local Church to serve young people and communities in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat.

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Marist Mission in Korea
ESTABLISHED
1971 SEOUL
SOCIAL MEDIA

Through their presence in schools and community apostolate, the Brothers contribute to the growth of Catholic life in Korea and the integral development of Korean youth.

Korean Family and Marist Community in Seoul
Our Presence

Serving the Korean Church

South Korea has one of the most vibrant Catholic communities in Asia. The Marist Brothers bring their educational charism to this dynamic context, collaborating with the local Church to serve young people and communities in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat.

Through their presence in schools and community apostolate, the Brothers contribute to the growth of Catholic life in Korea and the integral development of Korean youth.

In an era characterized by swift technological advancement, hyper-competitive academic pressure, and changing family structures, the Marist mission provides a vital sanctuary of unconditional acceptance, Marian warmth, and moral grounding for the young.

1971
Arrival in Korea
50+
Years of Service
Mapo
Seoul Community
2027
IMYM AND WYD Host
South Korea Mission
🇰🇷 Marist Brothers in Korea Seoul Apostolate
Korea-Japan Sector Fellowship

Korea-Japan Sector Fellowship

Brothers and lay partners in shared formation, mutual exchange, and East Asia solidarity.

Over Half a Century of Grace

The Marist Heritage in Korea

In September 1971, the first seeds of St. Marcellin Champagnat's Marian charism were planted in the Land of the Morning Calm. Discover the inspiring milestones of our five-decade journey of fraternal presence and quiet educational service.

1971 01

Sowing the First Seeds

In September 1971, pioneering Marist Brothers arrived in South Korea. Immersing themselves in the Korean language and rich cultural tapestry, they began responding to the pastoral and educational needs of the local Church.

Foundation Phase
1980s 02

Specialized Social Care

Responding to the cries of marginalized families, the Brothers founded specialized welfare facilities, day-care centers, and group homes for children and youth with severe intellectual and physical disabilities.

Option for the Poor
1990s 03

Mapo-gu Formation House

With the rise of indigenous Korean vocations, the Marist Formation Centre was established in Mapo-gu, Seoul. It became a spiritual oasis for Aspirants, Postulants, youth retreats, and vocational discernment.

Korean Vocations
2027 04

Seoul WYD AND IMYM Host

As Pope Francis and the universal Church convene in Seoul for World Youth Day 2027, the Marist Brothers of Korea prepare to host the International Marist Youth Meeting under the theme "Becoming Home".

Global Pilgrimage
Sector Updates • South Korea

Korea Mission News and Stories

Discover the latest pastoral developments, youth gatherings, vocational formation, and community outreach from the Marist Brothers in Seoul and beyond.

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Seoul WYD 2027 Preparations
Featured Story WYD 2027 • Seoul
September 18, 2026 • 4 min read

Seoul 2027 WYD Preparations: Marist Formation Centre Launches "Becoming Home" Pilgrim Initiative

Ahead of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the Marist community in Mapo-gu has inaugurated comprehensive spiritual and hospitality initiatives to welcome young Marist pilgrims from across the globe under the banner of Christian fraternity and Marian welcome.

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Mapo-gu Vocation Discernment
Vocations
August 24, 2026

Annual Youth Discernment Retreat Convenes in Mapo-gu House

Korean university students and young professionals gathered for prayer, quiet contemplation, and Marian guidance.

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Korea-Japan Sector Assembly
Fellowship
July 15, 2026

Korea-Japan Sector Assembly Strengthens Regional Solidarity

Deepening fraternal collaboration, cross-sector youth formation, and mutual exchange across East Asia.

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Seoul Community and Formation

Marist Formation Centre, Mapo-gu

Situated at 37 Tojeong-ro 2-gil in the historic Mapo-gu district of Seoul, the Marist Formation Centre serves as the administrative and spiritual beating heart of the Marist Brothers in South Korea.

Located within close proximity to the Han River and the sacred shrine of Jeoldu-san (절두산), the community draws daily inspiration from the heroic witness of the Korean Catholic Martyrs. Here, St. Marcellin Champagnat's three Marian virtues—humility, simplicity, and modesty—are lived out in prayer, hospitality, and brotherhood.

Vocation Discernment

Guiding candidates through Aspirancy and Postulancy formation.

Youth Oasis

Weekend retreats, prayer nights, and spiritual direction for Korean youth.

East Asia Hub

Cross-sector assembly, provincial retreats, and intercultural exchange.

Official Residence and Centre

Marist Brothers of Korea

Marist Formation Centre

37 Tojeong-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04085

서울특별시 마포구 토정로2길 37

korea@maristeastasia.org
Archdiocese of Seoul • East Asia Province
마포구 수도원
Sanctuary of Peace
Apostolate

Core Ministries and Mission

Living out St. Marcellin Champagnat's vision of forming good Christians and virtuous citizens in modern Korean society.

Catholic Schools

Providing Marist-inspired education that integrates academic rigor with spiritual and moral formation.

Nurturing emotional health, personal character, and Christian fraternity amidst high-pressure academic standards.

Holistic Education

Arts and Culture

Engaging Korean youth through creative expression, cultural activities, and artistic programs rooted in faith.

Empowering youth through music, drama, cultural retreats, and digital media to give joyful expression to their spiritual lives.

Creative Youth Ministry

Partnerships

Collaborating with diocesan bodies and lay organizations to deepen the Marist mission.

Working closely with the Archdiocese of Seoul, national youth commissions, and dedicated lay Champagnat associations.

Ecclesial Solidarity

Care for Disabilities

Operating specialized welfare centers, rehabilitation homes, and day-care facilities for youth with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Embodying Champagnat's primary directive to extend unconditional Christian dignity and loving accompaniment to the most vulnerable.

Special Social Welfare
WYD 2027 SEOUL • GLOBAL PILGRIMAGE

Becoming Home:
IMYM 2027 and World Youth Day

South Korea has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the 41st World Youth Day in August 2027. Ahead of this momentous global gathering, the Marist Brothers of Korea will host the International Marist Youth Meeting (IMYM) 2027 at the Marist Formation Centre in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

IMYM Seoul Gathering
July 29 – August 2, 2027

Marist Formation Centre, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Official World Youth Day
August 3 – August 8, 2027

Archdiocese of Seoul, Republic of Korea

Official Theme

"Becoming Home"

(집이 되어주다)

Providing a warm, welcoming home for young pilgrims from every continent before entering the WYD celebrations.

Regional News Updates

Connect With Us

For inquiries about the Marist Brothers in South Korea, vocation discernment, community retreats, or World Youth Day 2027 preparations:

korea@maristeastasia.org

Regional Updates

Stay up-to-date with our apostolic journeys, vocational programs, and regional missions across East Asia.

Visit our Latest News portal for updates from South Korea.