The church from IU’s wedding scene in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ draws growing crowds
A scene from "When Life Gives You Tangerines" / Courtesy of Netflix
A blue wedding car, adorned with flowing decorations, rolled to a stop in front of the church. Dressed in a white gown, IU’s character Yang Geum-myeong beamed as friends cheered her on. Beneath a shower of confetti and balloons soaring into the blue sky, she smiled with joy. Watching from a distance, her former lover offered a quiet smile, lost in memories of the past.
This touching scene from "When Life Gives You Tangerines," a hit Netflix series, captured the hearts of viewers. It was filmed at Gasil Cathedral in Waegwan Town, Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province — a church now drawing renewed attention following the drama’s success.
Tourists visiting Gasil Cathedral in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, are engrossed in taking photos with cherry blossoms in the background. Hankook Ilbo
On the afternoon of April 3, Gasil Cathedral was bustling with visitors eager to enjoy the spring air. Beneath blooming cherry blossoms, tourists snapped photos of the historic church. Catholic couple Kim Ji-hoon and Lee Seung-eun said they came for a pilgrimage. “It’s a peaceful place to escape the busy city,” Kim said. “My girlfriend and I visit here often, but knowing it appeared in the drama gives it a whole new charm.”
Gasil Cathedral / Courtesy of Chilgok County Office
Gasil Cathedral is the oldest Catholic church in North Gyeongsang Province. Founded in 1895 as the 11th parish of the Joseon Diocese, it is the second-oldest cathedral in the broader Daegu region, after Gyesan Cathedral. The church's first pastor, French priest Camille Pailhasse (Korean name Ha Gyeong-jo), initially held services in a five-room, tile-roofed house. As the congregation grew, Father Tourneux (Yeo Dong-seon) relocated the church to its current site in 1923. The new building was designed by Father Victor Louis Poisnel (Park Do-haeng), who also designed notable churches like Myeongdong and Gyesan Cathedrals. It is said that he personally inspected the bricks, tapping each one to ensure its quality. In 2003, Gasil Cathedral was designated a tangible cultural asset by North Gyeongsang Province.
People visiting Gasil Cathedral in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, enjoy the spring day while taking photos in various spots, on April 3. Hankook Ilbo
Built in Neo-Romanesque style, Gasil Cathedral features red brick and a bell tower. The layout includes a central nave flanked by two side aisles. Remarkably, the church survived the Korean War intact, even as the Battle of Dabudong and Nakdong River raged nearby because both South and North Korean forces used it as a field hospital. Originally known as Naksan Cathedral in 1958, it was renamed Gasil Cathedral in 2005.
The church is recognized as a sacred site by Catholic believers. It stands in Gasil Village, once a refuge for Catholics fleeing persecution. The faithful would cross nearby Hanti Pass to continue practicing their religion. Today, the path they once walked is known as The Road to Hanti, a 45.6-kilometer pilgrimage route connecting Gasil Cathedral, the Shinnamugol Holy Site and the Hanti Martyrs’ Shrine on Palgong Mountain. Opened in 2016, the route is divided into five sections: the Path of Reflection, the Path of Emptiness, the Path of Repentance, the Path of Forgiveness and the Path of Love — earning it the nickname Korea’s Camino de Santiago.
Gasil Cathedral in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province / Hankook Ilbo
Long known for its peaceful charm and historical significance, Gasil Cathedral is a popular spot for both religious pilgrims and general visitors. In summer, the vibrant blooms of crape myrtles and Chinese trumpet vines draw large crowds. Photographers and engaged couples also flock to the church, which previously served as a filming location for the 2004 movie "Love, So Divine," starring Kwon Sang-woo and Ha Ji-won. The wedding scene in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" was filmed outside the cathedral in spring last year.
Now, Chilgok is moving to highlight this connection. Authorities are considering installing a “filming location” marker near the church and planning a photo event for fans. “Thanks to the drama, Gasil Cathedral’s cultural and historical value is gaining attention,” said Chilgok Mayor Kim Jae-wook. “We aim to promote Chilgok’s unique blend of history, culture and faith through events like next month’s Holy Festival and other Catholic heritage programs.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Gasil Cathedral in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Chilgok County Office