Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Reedley, CA 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.

Note on age requirements:

Youth 16-18 are required to register with a traveling parent.

Youth 18+ will register as an adult.

What’s Included?

  • Verso pilgrimage director
  • Local Korean guide
  • 9 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
  • Roundtrip airfare from the US to Seoul if group flight package is selected
  • Verso Pilgrim Kit, including a pilgrimage booklet
  • Gratuities for local guide and pilgrimage director

Itinerary

August 1, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. from San Francisco 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
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the airport to the hotel
    • 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 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/Standard 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 (*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

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Depart Seoul on your journey home
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the airport to the hotel
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to meet the group at the hotel
  • Or continue to the optional extension to Japan

Meals included: Breakfast

Extensions

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer to Incheon International Airport and depart for Japan (flight included in the 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

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

August 11, 2026
  • 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)
  • Explore Tokyo together as a group
  • Farewell dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Tokyo

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 12, 2026
  • 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

Accommodations: Simple centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

 

* Group flight is only available for those on the main tour (August 1-10). Those traveling on the extension should arrange
their own airfare to South Korea on August 1-2 and home from Japan on August 12. The middle flight (South Korea to Japan) on Day 10 is included in the extension package pricing.

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. These will be reconfirmed in the Pack & Prep Handout, which will be distributed approximately 1 month prior to departure.

Pricing

Package Cost
$4,445

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement
$999
Land-only Savings
-$1,600
2-Day Japan Extension
$1,014
Single Room Supplement for Japan Extension
$300
Travel protection
Quote provided after registration

Pricing listed per person in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare (if group flight package is not selected).

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.

Led by

Group Leader
Stephanie Ramos
Reedley, CA
Stephanie Ramos is a lifelong Catholic pilgrim whose journey of faith began in the 1990s, traveling alongside her mother to powerful Rosary Rallies in Bakersfield, California. Decades of local devotion laid the foundation for a deeply personal, global pilgrimage path marked by profound encounters with the universal Church.
Recent formative experiences include walking where Jesus walked in the Holy Land in 2023 under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins, and standing in unity with thousands at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. Most recently, in 2025, this journey led to the heart of the Church on a pilgrimage to the Vatican, once again guided by Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Her journey of faith is rooted in family tradition and expanded through global sacred travel, each steps serves to deepen a profound, enduring relationship with Christ and His Church.
Now, the next chapter unfolds. I am thrilled to journey to Seoul, South Korea for World Youth Day 2027. I cannot wait to encounter the vibrant global youth culture, experience Asia’s rich Catholic heritage, and witness millions of young Catholics unite in prayer. Let’s step into this next adventure of grace together!
Group Leader
Fr. Denny Joseph, R.C.J.
Reedley, CA
Father Denny entered the Rogationists Seminary in Kerala, India on June 8, 1995. He was Ordained on January 8, 2009 in Kerala, India. He later came to U.S. in 2014. He was assigned to St. Elizabeth Parish in Van Nuys, CA for four years, and later transferred to St. Mary’s Parish in Sanger in 2018. Father Denny was assigned pastor of St. Anthony of Padua on February 24, 2020. In addition to being our Pastor, Fr Denny is also the Treasurer for the Congregation of the Rogationist Fathers of the Heart of Jesus in the U.S.A.—Mexico Delegation.

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 optional 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.

Please note: All group flight tickets are roundtrip airfare. Pilgrims must fly on both the outbound and return flights with the group. If a pilgrim does not fly on the outbound flight, the airline will cancel their reservation on all flights without refund.

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

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare (unless group flight package is selected)
  • 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. October 31st, 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 $1,600 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 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 Japan Extension

August 10-12 (3 days, 2 nights)

Price: $1,014

Single Room Supplement: $300

Simple Accommodations 

Includes: 

  • One-way airfare from Korea to Japan
    2 nights lodging in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms, including taxes
  • Local Japanese guide on each bus
  • Transportation on a motorcoach
  • Gratuities for guide(s)
  • Entrance fees
  • Daily Mass arrangements
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary: Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 1 dinners

 

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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