Global Seoul attracts visitors and residents from all over the world with all different backgrounds and religion. With practicing Buddhists, Catholics, Christians, Muslims, and other religions, there are quite a few religious and religious-associated sites around Seoul one can visit regardless of your faith. Here are just a few of them.

Completed in 1898, Myeongdong Cathedral is Korea’s first Roman Catholic parish church as well as the first Gothic building constructed in the nation. It attracts worshippers for Mass, and also holds a small sanctuary in the basement floor where the remains of martyrs are enshrined. It’s a peaceful and tranquil place to visit especially if you’re looking for a break from the fast-pace of the surrounding Myeongdong area.

Catholicism itself didn’t take root in Korea without its major challenges. Its followers experienced several bloody waves of persecution in the past and one place that remembers the many martyrs is Jeoldusan. Literally meaning “beheading mountain”, the hill was where many followers were executed. Now the site is home to a cathedral and museum that explains in detail about the history of the Catholic faith in Korea, the various persecutions, and more. The memorial and museum were even visited by Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa in the past.

For visitors in Itaewon, it’s quite difficult to miss the Seoul Central Mosque, Seoul’s only mosque, which lies on top of a hill. Constructed in 1976, the three-storied mosque holds separate prayer halls for men and women, an educational institute for children, and a research center. Non-practicing visitors should apply in advance through the official homepage and traditional customs and observances such as dress codes must be followed. The street in front of the mosque is also home to many shops and restaurants that cater to the Muslim population.

Korea’s oldest religious influence comes from Shamanism and for its followers, one of the most respected sites in Korea sits on Inwangsan, or Mount Inwang, at the Guksadang Shrine. Originally built in 1395 atop Namsan, it was destroyed in 1925 before being rebuilt here. It is said that the spirits of King Taejo, the founder of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty are housed within the shrine complex. Often you can catch the shrine’s bells tolling and the Shamans singing, making for a truly unique experience.

Korea’s first synagogue, the Chabad House, is open for Jews as well as those who are open to finding out more about the religion. They provide religious services every Friday night and Saturday morning and also sell Kosher food items and meals. They also offer a preschool on their grounds.

For Buddhists and visitors alike, Seoul’s two most famed Buddhist temples are Jogyesa and Bongeunsa. Jogyesa is the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism while Bongeunsa has over a thousand years of history to it. Both temples are not only beautiful to walk around and observe the many buildings and relics but are open to visitors with a range of cultural and religious programs open to visitors. Visitors can apply to take part in a temple stay program or participate in cultural programs such as tea drinking or lotus lantern making. They are especially beautiful to visit around this time of the year when Korea observes Buddha’s birthday and string up many colorful lanterns all around the temple grounds. Visit the Jongeunsa and Bongeunsa respective homepages to see what sort of special activities are going on currently.