Saint Andrew Kim Taegon – Korea’s First Priest and Martyr
Catholic Digital Art Download
$5.00
This stunning digital artwork portrays St. Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native-born Korean Catholic priest and a martyr for the faith. He stands in his red chasuble and golden stole, holding a cross close to his chest, with the serene Korean countryside and national flag behind him. His image radiates quiet courage, inviting the viewer to contemplate the cost of discipleship and the strength of faith under persecution.
Short Biography
Andrew Kim Taegon was born in 1821 into a family of Catholic converts who suffered severe persecution under the Joseon dynasty. His father was martyred for the faith, and Andrew was baptized at age 15. He traveled to Macau and Shanghai to study for the priesthood, enduring hardship and exile to become the first Korean priest, ordained in 1844.
Returning to Korea, he ministered in secret, bringing the sacraments to the faithful and guiding missionaries across dangerous borders. In 1846, he was captured, tortured, and executed by beheading near Seoul at only 25 years old, proclaiming:
“This is the time for me to show you with my life how much I love my God.”
He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, along with 102 other Korean martyrs, as a witness to the resilience of the Korean Church.
Symbolism in the Art
Golden Halo & Cross: His sanctity and martyrdom for Christ.
Korean Flag & Landscape: His love for his homeland and his mission to bring the Gospel to Korea.
Red and Gold Vestments: Symbol of priesthood, martyrdom, and eternal glory.
Perfect For
Personal prayer and devotion
Teaching about the history of the Korean Church
Catholic classrooms and youth ministry
Gifts for seminarians, priests, and those discerning their vocation
Product Details
Format: High-resolution digital download (PNG)
Orientation: Portrait (ideal for printing and framing)
Style: Award-winning, ultra-lifelike watercolor with vibrant detail
Delivery: Instant download after purchase
Feast Day: September 20
Patronage: Korean clergy, the persecuted Church, converts
"We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honor of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are not faithful to the end?"
– St. Andrew Kim Taegon