The establishment of Dapdong Parish began in 1888when the Apostolic Vicariate of Joseon anticipated the development of the newlyopened Jemulpo port and began searching for land. After purchasing the land,the vicariate entrusted the new parish to Fr. Wilhelm, then at the PenangSeminary, who entered Korea and immediately founded the parish.

The original church featured a Romanesque façadewith three bell towers. After expansion and renovation in 1937, it wasdesignated Historic Site No. 287 in 1981. When the Incheon Vicariate waselevated in 1961 and Bishop McNaughton (Nae Gil-mo) was appointed its firstbishop, the parish was established as the cathedral.

Built in the 1890s, it is one of the oldestWestern-style brick Gothic churches and an important example of early modernarchitecture in Korea.