Barbara Han A-gi was a Catholic martyr born in Joseon around 1792. Although she initially distanced herself from her faith after marrying a non-believer, she eventually returned to Christianity with the help of her mother. Following the death of her husband, she lived with her three children and actively shared her faith by teaching and baptizing neighbors. Her religious devotion led to her arrest in 1836 during a period of Christian persecution in Korea, eventually resulting in her execution in Seoul in 1839.
Life and martyrdom
After returning to her parents' home, Barbara became a dedicated catechist within her community. Despite facing severe torture following her arrest in 1836, she refused to renounce her religious convictions. She was executed in Seoul on May 24, 1839, alongside eight other Catholics.
Veneration
She was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 as part of a group of 103 Korean martyrs. The Catholic Church commemorates her feast day on September 20.