19세기 중반 아시아에는 열강의 개항 요구가 거세지고 있었다. 청은 아편을 둘러싸고 영국과 두 차례 전쟁 끝에 수도 북경을 점령당했다. 러시아도 부동항을 찾아 두만강 접경으로 남하했다. 흥선대원군은 천주교를 서양 세력의 앞잡이라고 여겨 박해했다. 8년여 동안(병인박해 1866~1873) 전국적으로 8천에서 1만 명에 가까운 천주교 신자가 순교했다.

By the mid-19th century, Western powers increasingly sought to open ports in Asia. Following two wars with Britain over opium, the Qing Dynasty faced the occupation of its capital, Beijing (Peking), by the Anglo-French allied forces. Russia was also advancing southward to the border of the Dumangang (Tumen) River, aiming for ice-free ports. Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun, King Gojong’s father, initiated the persecution of Catholics as he believed they were paving the way for the Western powers to spread their influence and control over Joseon. Throughout the eight-year period of Byeongin Persecution (1866–1873), an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Catholics suffered martyrdom nationwide for their faith.