WYD Seoul 2027 – Diocese of Peoria

Pilgrimage to World Youth Day

Trip Date:
Jul 29, 2027
- Aug 10, 2027
Group Type
Private
Activity Level
Difficult
Price
From $5,569
Deposit $500 / person
Hosted by
Diocese of Peoria

Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries and the young adults* of the Diocese of Peoria for a life-changing 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.

* All travelers must be 18 or over by the departure date.

What’s Included?

  • Verso pilgrimage director (groups of 40+ get dedicated director)
  • Local Korean guide (groups of 40+ get dedicated director)
  • Roundtrip airfare from the US to Seoul (if group flight package is selected)
  • Airport transfer from Incheon airport to Seoul hotel (if group flight package is selected)
  • Gratuities for local guide and pilgrimage director
  • Accommodations in double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms (including taxes) (limited single rooms available)
  • Breakfast daily at lodging, 6 additional meals, and WYD meal vouchers
  • Private transportation on motorcoach (Days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 13 only)
  • WYD registration fees, including backpack pick-up (if possible)
  • Daily Mass Arrangements
  • Verso Ministries' administration of registration and payment collection
  • Fundraising resources
  • Promotional kit and pilgrim registration support
  • Preparation meeting (co-hosted via Zoom) for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations
  • Access to Verso WYD spiritual & logistical preparation and follow-up resources
  • Verso Pilgrim Kit, including a pilgrimage booklet

Itinerary

July 29, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey (optional group flight available)
July 30, 2027
  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Incheon 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 
  • Welcome Mass in a local church
  • Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Incheon

Accommodations: Simple hotel in Incheon

Meals Included: Dinner

July 31, 2027
  • Transfer to Solmoe Holy Ground, the birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Daegon 
  • Group Mass at Solmoe and time to explore and pray throughout the grounds 
  • Lunch in a local restaurant
  • Transfer to Haemi International Shrine for a guided tour and extended time for prayer and exploration
  • Transfer to Cheonan, check in to the hotel, and time for dinner on your own 
  • Overnight in Cheonan or vicinity 

Accommodations: Simple hotel in Chenoan or vicinity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 Suwon and check into the hotel 
  • Free time for dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Suwon or vicinity 

Accommodations: Simple hotel in Suwon or Vicinity

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 a local Korean 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 to check into the hotel
  • Group dinner in Seoul
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, 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 (*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
  • If you prefer to stay in Seoul, sign up for one of our cultural immersion activities, ranging from a K-Pop Dance Class to Taekwondo to a Korean Cooking Class (optional add-ons)
  • Farewell dinner as a group in a local restaurant

Accommodations: Simple, centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  •  Transfer to Incheon International Airport and depart on your journey home
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the hotel to the airport
    • 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
$5,569

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement
$1,449 / person
Land-only Package Savings
-$1,800 / person

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 20 full-paying pilgrims.

Led by

Host
The Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria
Peoria, IL
Bishop Louis Tylka has served as Bishop of Peoria since 2020, following his long ministry as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Born in Harvey, Illinois, he completed his formation at Niles College Seminary and Mundelein Seminary before his priestly ordination in 1996. Known for his pastoral warmth and love for the Church, Bishop Tylka guides the Diocese with a spirit of accompaniment and missionary discipleship. He also serves the wider Church through the USCCB Communications Committee.
Group Leader
Mary Cushing
Peoria, IL
Mary Cushing serves as a Mission Support Specialist for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. With more than a decade of experience in Catholic education and parish ministry, she is dedicated to helping people of all ages encounter Jesus Christ. Inspired by the transformative experiences she had at World Youth Day as a teen and young adult, Mary is passionate about helping others experience these powerful gatherings of the Universal Church.
Chaplain
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
Peoria, IL
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck has served as the Peoria Diocesan Vocation Director of Recruitment since 2020. Ordained to the priesthood in 2014, he previously served as a parochial vicar at several parishes and as a high school and university chaplain. Before entering the seminary, he was a professional athlete. Fr. Chase believes that every person has a vocation—a call from God—and he joyfully helps others discern God’s will for their lives.

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.

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

More Details

  • Round-trip airfare (if group flight not selected)
  • Airport/hotel transfer in South Korea (if group flight is not selected)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on the 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 $1,800 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 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 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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