August 2027
World Youth Day Seoul 2027
Take your group on a life-changing pilgrimage.
Experience a Rich, Courageous Catholic History
We love South Korea. In fact, we have already led a pilgrimage there.
We are the American Catholic pilgrimage company that has already led pilgrims to these beautiful shrines, delved into the heroic stories of the saints and blesseds, and experienced first-hand the powerful witness of the South Korean Church.
In addition, with past WYD experience and as experts in Catholic pilgrimage, we know what it takes to make this trip truly exceptional. When it comes to World Youth Day, just getting there is not enough. The travel logistics, hotel selections, knowledge of the country, and planning all make a huge difference!
Our comprehensive travel package, combined with expert travel leadership and spiritual direction, means you can have a singular focus on your ministry.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - August 1 - Depart U.S.
- Depart the U.S. and begin your World Youth Day journey (optional group flight available)
Day 2 - August 2 - Arrive in Seoul
- Arrive at Incheon International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Seoul to check in
- Celebrate a Welcome Mass with your group and enjoy a Welcome Dinner together
Day 3 - August 3 - World Youth Day Opening Mass
- 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
Day 4 - August 4 - Catechesis, Youth Festival
- 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 the Sacrament of Reconciliation and fellowship
Day 5 - August 5 - Catechesis, Papal Welcome
- Catechesis sessions with fellow pilgrims
- Welcome the Holy Father to Seoul with a special celebration and prayer service
Day 6 - August 6 - Catechesis, Stations of the Cross
- Final catechetical session in the morning with the bishops
- 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
Day 7 - August 7 - Walking Pilgrimage and Overnight Vigil
- 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 Eucharistic Adoration and a Vigil prayer service
Overnight under the stars
Day 8 - August 8 - WYD Closing Mass
- Celebrate Mass with the Holy Father, the concluding event of World Youth Day
- Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax after a long day!
Day 9 - August 9 - Free Day in Seoul
- Free day to explore Seoul
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 - Alternatively, arrange a day trip to Chon Jin Am, the birthplace of Korean Catholicism, or Mirinae Shrine, the burial place of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon (optional add-ons)
- 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
Day 10 - August 10 - Depart Seoul
- Depart Seoul on your journey home
Extensions, Day Trips, and Add-ons
Whether it’s a cooking class or karaoke night in Seoul, prayerful visit to a beautiful shrine, or an immersive journey throughout the Korean countryside, our day trips, extensions, and optional add-on’s will enhance your group’s experience and with the best of what South Korea has to offer.
Find out about these options and MORE!
Extensions
Whether you want to add 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days, our curated extension packages will bring you deeper into the story of the birth, persecution, and glory of the Korean Church. For example, during “The Roots of Korean Catholicism,” you will visit the sanctuary of Chon Jin Am where the Korean Catholic Church was born and visit Miriane Holy Ground where St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon is buried. We have other extensions that will take you to Haemi International Shrine, Hanti Martyrs’ Shrine, or even the seaside city of Busan.
Day Trips
Don’t want to commit to an extension? Opt for one of our day trips to experience places like Miriane Holy Ground, Chon Jin Am, or even the Demilitarized Zone to experience a unique glimpse into the history and ongoing tensions between North and South Korea while highlighting efforts toward peace and reunification.
Optional Add-ons
Interested in taking a deep dive into Korean culture while in Seoul? Consider adding a half day activity, exploring a particular tradition, skill, or art unique to Korean culture and history. From taekwondo, karaoke, a cultural tour, or even a K-Pop dance class, there’s something for everyone. Your group is bound to make memories and forge bonds for a lifetime!
A Comprehensive, Full-service Package
Rest easy knowing we’ve got everything taken care of. From the initial planning, to after you return home, we’ve got you covered.
Verso’s WYD program includes:
The Best, Closest Hotels
Always be close to the action by staying in centrally-located hotels that will have you rested and ready for each day’s full schedule. We have options for every budget.
Group Flight Option
Want your group to travel to South Korea together? We can add group flights to your package.
Pilgrimage Director and Local Guides
Have the support of a Verso Pilgrimage Director and local Korean guide throughout your entire pilgrimage. This duo will ensure you’re always up to speed on what’s going on and the opportunities available for you and your group, as well as help you navigate the city and WYD events.
Scouting Trip to Seoul
Get the lay of the land before the big week! Go with Verso and other group leaders to get comfortable with every aspect of the trip beforehand.
FREE Leader Registrations
Our standard package includes a tiered system for free leader registrations. Take your priest, sponsor a pilgrim, or use it for yourself – It’s our way to make sure that WYD is accessible to as many pilgrims as possible.
Most Meals
All breakfasts and most lunches and dinners are included with your package.
Fundraising and Promotional Support
Get the most out of your efforts to gather your group and raise money with support, custom designs, and media kits from Verso.
Your Guide Through Every Stage
Helping you launch a successful pilgrimage long before WYD begins and well after it ends is our specialty. Discover how we minister to your group throughout the entire journey:
Before
- Scouting Trip to Seoul
- Videos, blogs, webinars, and more to help your pilgrims prepare both logistically and spiritually
- Group Leader formation and support, including regular check-ins with Verso staff
- Customized marketing materials and promotional support
- Registration and payment options to meet the needs of your group
- Fundraising kits to help your pilgrims afford this opportunity
During
- 24/7 on-site support via a Verso Pilgrimage Director and local Korean guide
- Accommodations in centrally-located hotels with air conditioning and private bathrooms
- WYD Pilgrim Kit Pickup
- Exciting opportunities for spiritual and cultural engagement through World Youth Day events, as well as add-ons, day trips, or extensions
- Verso WYD Pilgrimage Booklet with information, prayer resources, and more
- Most meals, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners in local restaurants
After
- Pilgrim resources to help unpack the pilgrimage and share the graces received
- Holistic review process for Group Leaders, including debrief meeting with Verso Staff and other opportunities to share feedback
- Continued membership in the Verso family!
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