Trip Overview

Join Verso Ministries and the University of Notre Dame 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
  • Round-trip airfare from the U.S. to South Korea
  • Airport transfer from Incheon airport to Seoul hotel
  • Gratuities for guide(s) and pilgrimage director
  • 9 nights in standard, centrally-located accommodations with 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

Itinerary

August 1, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. from Chicago (ORD) and begin your World Youth Day journey
August 2, 2027
  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer as a group to your hotel in Seoul
  • Celebrate a Welcome Mass with your group and enjoy a Welcome Dinner together
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Standard 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: Standard 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: Standard 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: Standard 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: 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: Sleeping under the stars at the Vigil site

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: Standard, centrally-located hotel

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

August 9, 2027
  • Free day to explore Seoul
  • Choose your own adventure! Ascend Namsam Tower, pray at striking shrines such as Dangoggae or Seosomun, taste local delicacies at Gwangjang Market, explore Bukchon Hanok Village, or visit one of the five traditional palaces throughout the city (all activities on your own)
  • Enjoy a final Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Seoul

Accommodations: Standard centrally-located hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2027
  • Transfer as a group to Incheon International Airport and depart on your journey home

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
$4,545

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

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

Group Leader
Emma Marsden
Notre Dame, IN
emarsden@nd.edu

Flights

  • Pilgrims travel to World Youth Day together on a group flight out of O’Hare (ORD). See below for more information.

More details about flight information and your exact itinerary will be available no later than Spring 2027.

More Details

  • 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, please make your $500 deposit to Notre Dame Campus Ministry by May 1, 2026.

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.

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

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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