WYD Seoul 2027 – Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Pilgrimage to World Youth Day

Trip Date:
Jul 30, 2027
- Aug 10, 2027
Group Type
Private
Activity Level
Difficult
Price
From $3,866
Deposit $500
Hosted by
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for a life-changing week on pilgrimage. Experience the global Church firsthand amidst the unique and vibrant story of Catholicism in Korea. From remarkable saints, bustling markets, and moving shrines to Mass with the Pope and sleeping under the stars, join millions of Catholic young people in this worldwide encounter and celebration. You’ll never experience God, the Church, or your faith the same way again.

What’s Included?

  • Verso pilgrimage director
  • Local Korean guide
  • 10 nights in simple accommodations in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms (including taxes)
  • Breakfast daily at lodging, Welcome/Farewell Dinners, and WYD meal vouchers
  • Registration with WYD Committee, including access to events, public transportation pass, & WYD pilgrim kit
  • Access to Verso WYD spiritual & logistical preparation and follow-up resources
  • Fundraising resources
  • Verso Pilgrim Kit, including a pilgrimage booklet
  • Gratuities for local guide and pilgrimage director
  • Archdiocesan t-shirt & support for Archdiocesan chaplain

Itinerary

July 30, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey (airfare not included)
July 31, 2027
  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Incheon to check in
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to meet the group at the hotel
  • Celebrate a Welcome Mass with your group and enjoy a Welcome Dinner together
  • Overnight in Incheon

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Dinner

August 1, 2027
  • Transfer to Mirinae Holy Ground, the final resting place of St. Andrew Kim Daegon
  • Mass upon arrival at Mirinae, followed by a tour of the shrine
  • Group lunch at the shrine Free time to explore the extensive grounds, pray the stations of the cross, and visit the many chapels and exhibits
  • Transfer to hotel and check in
  • Free time for dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Suwon or vicinity

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

August 2, 2027
  • Depart for Chon Jin Am, the site of the birthplace of the Korean Catholic Church
  • Celebrate Mass at Chon Jin Am, followed by lunch at the shrine
  • Guided tour of the shrine and short hike to the tombs of the founders of the Korean Catholic Church, followed by free time to explore the grounds
  • Transfer back to Seoul and enjoy a group dinner
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 3, 2027
  • Enjoy the morning on a guided tour of Seoul’s cultural highlights, including Jogyesa Temple in the heart of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village in Old Seoul, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Insadong’s shopping center
  • World Youth Day officially begins with an opening Mass for all pilgrims, celebrated by the Archbishop of Seoul
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 4, 2027
  • Morning Catechesis sessions with pilgrims and bishops from around the world, including prayer, discussion, and Mass
  • In the afternoon, take part in the Hanbok Palace Experience by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in traditional hanbok attire
    • Highlight: This experience includes an authentic Korean custom of donning traditional hanbok attire during your visit to the palace, offering a unique cultural window into Korea’s heritage
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 5, 2027
  • Catechesis sessions with fellow pilgrims
  • Welcome the Holy Father to Seoul with a special celebration and prayer service
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 6, 2027
  • Final catechetical session in the morning with the bishops
  • Then, the Youth Festival continues, with opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or check out the Vocations Fair
  • In the evening, rejoin the Pope as all the pilgrims pray together the Stations of the Cross, led by the Holy Father himself
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 7, 2027
  • Begin with a pilgrimage to the Vigil site, typically a 12-15 mile walk
  • After finding designated area, settle in and enjoy different entertainment, shows, music, and prayer opportunities
  • In the evening, join the Pope and fellow pilgrims for a Vigil prayer service
  • That night, sleep under the stars and prepare for the Closing Mass
  • Overnight at Vigil site

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (*Meals at Vigil site)

August 8, 2027
  • The morning begins early with closing activities, including music, speakers and prayers, followed by the closing Papal Mass with the Holy Father
  • At the end of Mass, the next host diocese for World Youth Day is announced
  • Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax after a long day
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (*meals at Vigil site)

August 9, 2027
  • Free day to explore Seoul
  • Choose from various activities such as: Ascend Namsam Tower; pray at striking shrines and beautiful churches such as Dangoggae or Seosomun; explore Gwangjang Market and Bukchon Hanok Village, or visit one of the five traditional palaces throughout the city
  • Farewell dinner as a group in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to the airport via taxi or public transportation (airport transfer not included in the package) and depart Seoul on your journey home

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Simple Accommodations

  • Pilgrims will stay in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms.
  • All accommodations are in centrally-located hotels, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, no curfew, and easy access to event sites and public transportation.
  • Exact hotel assignments will be announced in the Spring of 2027.

Pricing

Package Cost
$3,866

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement
$1,299 / person

Pricing listed per person in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms and does not includes airfare.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Final pricing may adjust based on actual costs for WYD registration fees and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates. Please see the Payment Schedule dropdown in the “More Details” section below for additional information regarding pricing.

*Travel protection is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Led by

Group Leader
Angie Pometto
Director, Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry
Angie Pometto is the Director for the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Angie received her education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and the University of Notre Dame. For the past 20 years, she has served youth and young adults in Arlington, Va.; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Richmond, Va.; before coming to Texas in 2018. Angie has traveled to more than a dozen countries where she visited many grand churches, stood before the tombs of saints, and saw (from a distance) St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, and most recently, Pope Leo XIV.
Group Leader
Thalía Romero
Associate Director, Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Thalía Romero currently serves as the Associate Director for the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. A proud Hispanic American born in Houston to Guatemalan and Nicaraguan parents, Thalía is a cradle Catholic whose ministry journey began at a young age. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Houston-Downtown (2016) and a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the University of St. Thomas’ Centro Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology (2021). Thalía has dedicated four years to her role in the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry, following four years of service with the Office of Hispanic Ministry. She works closely with the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, providing resources, retreats, and formation for Hispanic young adults. Outside her professional work, Thalía dedicates her time to music ministry at her home parish, Holy Family Church in Missouri City, Texas. She released her debut album, Confiar, tener fe, in 2020 and released a single, “En medio del ruido,” in 2025. In her personal time, Thalía enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, traveling with her family, socializing with friends, and spending time with Boba, her chihuahua, and Chai, her maltipoo.
Group Leader
Neil Albaña
Associate Director, Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Neil Albaña currently serves as the Associate Director for the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Originally from Cebu City, Philippines, Neil moved to Houston, Texas, in 2009. He was blessed to grow up in a devout Catholic family and community. Neil's faith journey led him to serve as a missionary with NET (National Evangelization Teams) for two years before pursuing his undergraduate studies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology with a minor in new evangelization from the University of Mary in North Dakota. After college, Neil joined the Diocese of Bismarck, where he worked for three years in the Office of Catechesis, Youth, and Young Adults, initially as an associate and later as director. In the summer of 2024, Neil returned to Houston to continue his work with the archdiocese, focusing on supporting the young adults of the area. Outside his professional commitments, Neil enjoys playing music, reading, cooking, socializing with friends, and traveling with his family.

Flights

Pilgrims are expected to arrange their own flights to and from the pilgrimage. Designated arrival and departure times will be announced one year prior to the pilgrimage.

Designated arrival and departure times for land-only pilgrims will be announced one year prior to the pilgrimage.

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not listed on itinerary
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel For Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule

In order to secure your space, Verso Ministries requires a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. All final balances are due by March 31, 2027. Here is your group’s payment plan:

  1. Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
  2. June 30, 2026 – 25% of package
  3. September 30, 2026 – 25% of package
  4. December 31, 2026 – 25% of package
  5. March 31, 2027 – Final balance

 

Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $250 for WYD registration fees. Prices are based on the current (as of summer 2025) exchange rate of $1.00 USD to ₩1,370.00 KRW. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates, airline taxes and fees (as applicable), or World Youth Day registration fees could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. Any changes in final pricing will be communicated before the final payment deadline.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees will be charged per person, per booking, and apply to individual pilgrims.

If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety on or before June 30, 2026, Verso Ministries retains the group deposit and will refund pilgrims any money paid. If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety after June 30, 2026, then the group deposit is retained, and the following cancellation fee schedule will apply for all individual payments. Individual cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • After deposit: Deposit is retained ($500 per person)
  • July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027: 75% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • April 1, 2027 or after: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, World Youth Day registration, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 180 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

Groups of 40 or more will have a dedicated Verso Ministries Pilgrimage Director and local Korean guide. Groups smaller than 40 will share their Pilgrimage Director and local guide with other groups.

If you have any questions about pilgrimage details, please do not hesitate to contact us at wyd@versoministries.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I purchase travel protection?

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.  According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.
Read More

How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
Read More

Who can I contact for more information?

Our team is eager to help and is available 9am-5pm EST by phone at 574-383-9396 or by email at hello@versoministries.com
Read More

Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

13 Books for Your Ultimate World Youth Day Reading List

5 Must Visit Catholic Sites in South Korea

Two pilgrims looking out atop a mountain as a metaphor for becoming the best versions of themselves.

Becoming the Best Version of Yourself Through Pilgrimage

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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