Thursday, 17 July 2025The Study Tour to Korea 2025, a post-examination activity of our school was held in early July 2025. Over the course of five enriching days, our students visited numerous shrines and churches, immersing themselves in the profound historical significance of the Catholic faith in Korea.
One of the standout experiences on this tour was delving into the stories of the martyrs who courageously sacrificed their lives during four distinct periods of religious persecution in the Joseon Dynasty. Their unwavering faith and commitment to being witnesses of God serve as powerful reminders of resilience and belief.
Through guided visits to these sacred sites, students gained invaluable insights into the courage and dedication of those who came before them. This exploration not only deepened their understanding of the history of the Korean Catholic Church but also inspired a renewed appreciation for their own spiritual journeys.
We have gathered heartfelt reflections from our students about their experiences during the tour. Their stories highlight personal growth and the transformative impact of this unique journey. Do read on for the reflections and discover how this tour has shaped their perspectives on faith and history.
“Although the saints had passed on, they do so to help others like myself understand that faith has warmth, not just being explained by obscure words. The sacrifices of the saints inspire us to practice our faith through our actions.” – 1L Cherry Zhang
“I think sacrifices need strong faith as we have to overcome the fear of death.” – 1M Michelle Chan
“It is a good lesson for us to learn from the martyrs’ bravery, hope and faith as they gave up their life for the glory of God.” – 1P James Ip
“The martyrs sacrificed their lives to protect the presence of the Catholic Church, allowing it to be passed down through every generation. Although I am not Catholic, I was really touched by their lives, their stories and their sacrifice.” – 2J Hailey Chan
“For the first time, I saw how people were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith.” – 2J Emily Cheung
“Their spirit of sacrifice is worthy of our admiration. Even if we are unlikely to become martyrs, we can learn from their unwavering commitment.” – 4J Demi Sze
“Their spirits of not giving up or betraying their beliefs were also impressive and touching.” – 4L Crystal Yip
“At the Cathedral in Seoul, when I looked around, I noticed people of all ages and backgrounds, united in their faith. It was a beautiful sight to witness. As we nodded to each other to offer peace, I was moved by the genuine passion and sincerity of the believers.” – 4L Sophie Zhuang
“They had the cruellest kind of punishments, some of them being buried alive. But what really amazed me was that even during this kind of situation, the people still believed in God. They shouted “Jesus” till their very last breath.” – 4M Ella Wong
“It was the first time for me to kneel down and pray. It made me feel I was surrounded by God. I enjoyed these short moments of peace, and during that time I felt a deep peace as everything in my mind was cleared.” – 4P Charis Chong