Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries with Braden, Krystal, and Liam 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 centrally-located hotels - double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms, including taxes (limited singles available)
  • Breakfast daily at lodging, Welcome/Farewell Dinners, and WYD meal vouchers
  • K-Pop Class on Day 9
  • 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
  • Opportunity for daily Mass

Itinerary

August 1, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey
August 2, 2027
  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Seoul 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 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 Vocation Fair
  • In the evening, rejoin the Pope as all of 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 with the Pope and fellow pilgrims for a vigil prayer service
  • That night, sleep under the stars and prepare for the final day
  • Overnight at the 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 afternoon and evening to relax after a long day
  • Dinner is on your own this evening
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

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

August 9, 2027
  • Today, complete your World Youth Day experience with a K-Pop dance class
  • Learn authentic K-Pop choreography from local, professional K-Pop dancers as you groove to your favorite songs in a fun and encouraging environment. No experience necessary – just bring a positive attitude, a willingness to try new things, and a love for having fun!
  • Enjoy a final Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to Incheon International Airport and depart on your journey home
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport
  • Or continue on the optional 2-Day Japan Extension

Meals included: Breakfast

Extensions

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to Incheon International Airport and depart for Japan (airport transfer and flight included in the optional extension package)
  • Arrive in Tokyo, and transfer to the Asakusa neighborhood for lunch in a local restaurant and Mass at St. John Asakusa Church
  • Free time for shopping in the traditional handicraft shops and exploring this culturally rich Tokyo neighborhood
  • Transfer to the hotel and check in
  • Free evening in Tokyo to explore on your own
  • Overnight in Tokyo

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

August 11, 2027
  • Begin the morning with a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, followed by a visit to the Harajuku neighborhood
  • Celebrate Mass at Shibuya Catholic Church (St. Dominic)
  • Free afternoon in Tokyo
  • Farewell dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Tokyo

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 12, 2027
  • Time permitting, Mass at a local church in the morning
  • Transfer to the airport in Tokyo and depart on your return flight home
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport

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
$3,099

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement (Korea only)
$999 / person
2-Day Japan Extension
$999 / person
Single Room Supplement (Japan only)
$300 / person
Gratuities (Korea only)
$50 / person
Gratuities (Japan only)
$50 / person
Travel protection
Quote provided after registration

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

Led by

Braden Johnson
Braden is a Catholic speaker and content creator with a passion for helping people discover the abundant life Jesus is calling them to. During his freshman year of college, Braden had a powerful conversion that led him to begin sharing the Gospel with young people through speaking and social media. Drawing from his background in music, competitive basketball, and creating content with well known YouTubers, Braden now speaks at Catholic conferences and schools around the world. Through his talks and online content, he helps people draw closer to Christ and deeper into the faith
Krystal
Krystal is a Catholic content creator, podcast host, and former Division I athlete with a passion for teaching the Catholic faith and spreading the Gospel. Through her platform, @TalkwithKrystal, she creates content focused on helping people better understand Catholicism, grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, and build a stronger prayer life.
Liam Dieckhoner

I’m a Catholic content creator producing comedic, apologetic, and theological content across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. My mission is to spread the Catholic faith, inspire others to grow closer to Christ, and make timeless truths accessible to a modern audience.

Flights

Pilgrims will arrange their own airfare for this pilgrimage. See below for more information.

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

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare from the U.S. to South Korea
  • Airport/hotel transfers in South Korea
  • Gratuities for guide(s) and pilgrimage director (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated 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. September 30, 2026 – 25% of package
  3. December 31, 2026 – 25% of package
  4. February 28, 2027 – 25% of package
  5. March 31, 2027 – Final balance

 

Final package price is estimated. Pricing includes an estimated $250 for WYD registration fees and $200 for airfare (optional Japan extension package only). 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 September 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.

2-Day Optional Japan Extension Package Includes

  • One-way airfare from Incheon to Tokyo on Day 10 (estimated at $200 / person)
  • Airport transfer from Tokyo airport to the hotel on Day 10
  • Two additional nights lodging in Japan in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms, including taxes
  • Local Japanese guide on each bus
  • Breakfast daily and other meals listed in the itinerary
  • Transportation on a private motorcoach on Days 10-11
  • Entrance fees
  • Daily Mass arrangements

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!
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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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