Saint Andrew Kim 

Korean Community of Guam

📍 Address:

St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church

Chalan San Andrew

Dededo, Guam 96929

ABOUT SAINT ANDREW KIM

Dates: September 20, 2026

Location: Dededo (Korean Community of Guam)

Time: 11:30 AM

Faith and Cultural Heritage: The Fiesta of Saint Andrew Kim

Located in Dededo—Guam's most populous and diverse municipality—the St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church serves as the spiritual heart for the island's Korean Catholic community. This unique late-morning fiesta honors Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest and the patron saint of Korea. It is a beautiful testament to the multicultural fabric of Guam, where different cultural heritages celebrate their faith alongside traditional island customs.

For visitors, this fiesta offers a remarkable cultural crossover. While maintaining the warm, welcoming spirit of a classic Guam village fiesta, the event provides a distinctively Korean atmosphere, making it one of the most unique religious celebrations on the island's calendar.

THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH AND THE SAINT

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon was a pioneer of the Catholic faith in Korea. Born to a family of Christian converts, he traveled to Macau to study in a seminary and was ordained in Shanghai in 1845. He returned to Korea to secretly preach and minister to the faithful during a time of intense religious persecution, ultimately being martyred for his faith in 1846.

On Guam, the St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church was established to serve the growing Korean-American population and expatriate community residing on the island. Nestled among the bustling residential and commercial zones of Dededo, the parish provides a place of worship for the community and preserves the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of the Korean Catholic diaspora.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: A BLEND OF CULTURES

Because this celebration honors a Korean saint and is hosted by the Korean community, the traditions beautifully differ from the typical CHamoru village fiesta.

The Multilingual Celebration

The spiritual events, beginning at 11:30 AM, often feature hymns and prayers in Korean. The Mass is a vibrant display of cultural devotion, with many parishioners wearing traditional Korean attire, such as the Hanbok, bringing a striking visual elegance to the celebration. It serves as a reminder of the universal nature of the church within Guam's local borders.

The Cultural "Gupot" (Party)

If you are looking for a break from the standard island barbecue, this is the fiesta to attend.

• A Korean Feast: Instead of traditional CHamoru fiesta staples, the tables here are laden with incredible, authentic Korean cuisine. Guests are treated to an abundance of Bulgogi (marinated beef), Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), Galbi (short ribs), and various types of Kimchi.

• Island Harmony: The atmosphere perfectly blends traditional Korean respect and hospitality with the "open door" warmth of Guam. It is a joyful gathering where different communities intermingle, sharing incredible food and celebrating the diverse threads that make up the modern island community.