Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Catholic parish church in Korea and the first Gothic building to be built there. It has been designated as an important historical site for the country. The construction of the cathedral began in 1892 and was completed in 1898. Unlike most Gothic buildings, Myeongdong Cathedral was built with bricks instead of stones. The splendid high ceilings and arches between the interior columns display a stunningly beautiful Gothic style, and the church's vault contains the remains of nine saints and martyrs who devoted their lives to spreading Catholicism in Korea.