WYD Seoul 2027 – Archdiocese of New Orleans

Pilgrimage to World Youth Day

Trip Date:
Aug 1, 2027
- Aug 10, 2027
Group Type
Private
Activity Level
Difficult
Price
From $4,900
Deposit $500
Hosted by
Archdiocese of New Orleans
or call us at (574) 383-9396

Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries and the Archdiocese of New Orleans 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
  • 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
  • Roundtrip airfare from the US to Seoul
  • Airport transfer from Incheon airport to Seoul hotel
  • Verso Pilgrim Kit, including a pilgrimage booklet
  • Gratuities for local guide and pilgrimage director

Itinerary

August 1, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey (optional group flight available)
August 2, 2027
  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Seoul to check in via taxi or public transportation (airport transfer not included in the package)
  • Celebrate a Welcome Mass with your group and enjoy a Welcome Dinner together
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Dinner

August 3, 2027
  • Free morning to explore Seoul using Verso’s WYD resources
  • Visit churches and shrines along one of the city’s walking pilgrimage routes and orient yourself to the city’s charming neighborhoods and vibrant culture
  • 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
  • Attend Youth Festival events in the afternoon, ranging from concerts and speakers to Reconciliation and fellowship
  • 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
  • Enjoy a daytrip 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 back to Seoul
  • Enjoy a final Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to the airport as a group (if on the group flight) or on your own via taxi or public transportation (if you booked your own flights) and begin your journey home to the US

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Simple Accommodations

  • All accommodations are in centrally-located hotels, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and easy access to event sites and public transportation.
  • Exact hotel assignments will be announced in the Spring of 2027.

Pricing

Package Cost
$4,900

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement
$999/person
Land-Only Savings (no flights included)
-$2,000/person
Travel Protection
Quote provided after registration*

Pricing listed per person in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms and includes airfare.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Final pricing may adjust based on actual costs for WYD registration fees, airfare, 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. Rates assume a minimum of 10 full-paying pilgrims.

*Quote provided by Travel Insured International.

Led by

Group Leader
Adrian Jackson
New Orleans
Adrian Jackson is the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He oversees the many events and initiatives that gather youth and young adults together from around the archdiocese as well as supports parishes and ministries as they accompany youth and young adults through their life of faith along with his team. Adrian co-led the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023. He also co-led the archdiocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi as Pilgrims of Hope in the summer of 2025. Prior to this ministry, he was a theology teacher, campus minister, and football coach at Holy Cross School, New Orleans. Adrian is a New Orleans native, proud graduate of Holy Cross School, Dillard University, and Notre Dame Seminary. He is married to Rachael and they have four children.
Group Leader
James Behan
New Orleans
James Behan, Jr. is the Associate Director for Young Adult Ministry & Associate Director for Marriage & Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He accompanies young adults, engaged couples, married couples, and families as well as parishes, colleges, and ministries as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and the Gospel. He has organized local, national, and international pilgrimages for young adults, including co-leading the archdiocesan groups to Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023 and to Rome & Assisi for the 2025 Jubilee. For over two decades, he has worked with young adults as a college campus minister and in catechesis, young adult ministry, and marriage and family ministries on the archdiocesan level. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, James is a proud double alum of St. John’s University (NY) and is a husband to Allison and father of two. Attending World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto as a college student was a mission-changing experience and Seoul will be his 5th World Youth Day!

Flights

Pilgrims will have the option of either joining a group flight or arranging their own airfare. See below for more information.

All pilgrims who opt in to the group flight will have their airfare arranged by Verso Ministries. More details about flight information and your exact itinerary will be available no later than Spring 2027.

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

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare and airport/hotel transfers (if group flight package is NOT selected)
  • 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

$500 deposit due for either package by May 15, 2026 (or as long as space remains)

Land-Only Package

  • June 30, 2026 – $600
  • September 30, 2026 – $600
  • December 31, 2026 – $600
  • March 31, 2026 – $600 or remaining balance

 

Full Package

  • June 30, 2026 – $1,100
  • August 15, 2026 – $550
  • September 30, 2026 – $550
  • November 15, 2026 – $550
  • December 31, 2026 – $550
  • February 15, 2027 – $550
  • March 31, 2027 – $550 or remaining balance

 

All payments must be made by March 31, 2027
Failure to meet deadlines will result in cancellation with no refund.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $2,000 per person for airfare and $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 the group leader, and the group leader will inform Verso Ministries. Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Any refunds from individual cancellations will be sent to the organizing group, who is responsible for distributing any necessary funds to individual pilgrims. If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety at any point, the following cancellation fee schedule will apply for all payments made.

  • 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.
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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.
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What is the latest I can register?

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance – register now and begin your journey!
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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