1. A rich and unique Catholic history.
World Youth Day 2027 will be held in Seoul, South Korea. Did you know that South Korea is the only country to have evangelized itself? It also has more saints and blesseds per capita than any other country. Let’s just say there’s a lot to dive into here!
2. Cultural immersion.
Seoul is a city where ancient roots and electric energy live side by side. You can walk from a 600-year-old palace straight into a neon-lit street buzzing with music, food, and life. It’s also a place of resilience, hospitality, and hope. Korea’s story gives Seoul a depth you feel, not just see. The people are warm, curious, and proud of their culture, eager to share it through food, tradition, and everyday kindness. But you won’t just experience South Korean culture. You’ll be surrounded by cultures from all over the world. It’s all part of the beauty of the event.
3. Talks, concerts, performances and more!
World Youth Day is actually a series of days crowned with a prayer vigil, Stations of the Cross, and Mass with the pope. The days leading up to this are filled with a variety of faith-filled activities: catechetical sessions, prayer, sacraments, music, performances,
4. New friendships.
Pilgrimages are always with others, even if we’re initially embarking alone. Maybe you’re going with a group of friends– you will get to know them even better as you share these experiences. Maybe you are joining our open enrollment group and will be meeting new friends from all over the world! Through adventures, prayer, shared meals and new experiences of the Church, you will make memories for a lifetime.
5. Sleep under the stars.
After an evening prayer vigil with the Pope, you’ll spend a night sleeping under the stars. You may not actually get much sleep as you gaze up at the heavens and listen to the voices of different cultures praying and singing into the early morning hours. Think of it as an incredible adventure and accept any sufferings or inconveniences with the joy of Christ in your heart, turning to him in prayer and praise through it all.
6. See (or at least hear) the Pope.
With the sizable crowd, you may not be in a position to actually see the Holy Father, but you’ll certainly hear his voice calling out over the crowds and feel his presence with you during Mass, Stations, and times of prayer.
7. People everywhere.
World Youth Day has been in Asia only one other time, and it was the largest World Youth Day ever. In fact, its closing Mass with John Paul II in Manila in 1995 broke the world record as the largest crowd for a live event (5 million people). So we expect this to be a large, international gathering! It may be overwhelming at first, but it’s also a unique opportunity to soak up every minute of the global Church.
8. Joyful noise.
The excitement of World Youth Day is especially palpable when you take a moment to close your eyes and listen to all the joyful noise around you. It’ll be surreal — voices crying out in praise and song, in every language; shouting in eager anticipation as the Popemobile passes by; heartfelt weeping during the Stations of the Cross. This powerful merge of languages expressing one love of Christ and the Church is undoubtedly one of the most special aspects of this global gathering.
9. The unexpected.
All travel carries a certain level of unpredictability. A flight is delayed, a bus is missed, plans don’t go…well, as planned. It’s normal to want everything to go smoothly especially when you are so far from home. Try entering this experience with the mindset that things are not going to go as planned. Things will change, and that’s okay. God is ultimately in control of everything, and he will bless you greatly through all the experiences you have on this pilgrimage, expected or unexpected.
10. To be inspired.
What made you decide to take this pilgrimage to Seoul? What was it that appealed to you about World Youth Day? What are you hoping to experience in your heart? Whatever your reasons for going, you will certainly come back a changed person. God works powerfully through pilgrimages. So open up your heart and expect to be inspired!
