FAQ
World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young people established by Saint John Paul II. First held in Rome in 1986, WYD is led by the Holy Father and takes place every few years in a host city chosen by the Pope. WYD is a pilgrimage of faith, an expression of the universal Church, and an instrument of evangelization for young people. Through prayer, catechesis, the celebration of the Eucharist, and fellowship, it invites participants to encounter Christ, deepen their faith, discern their vocation, and become active members of the Church. At the same time, WYD is more than a religious event. It is a global encounter where young people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together to build friendships, learn from one another, and promote the universal values of truth, love, peace, solidarity, and respect for human dignity.
While WYD is organised by the Catholic Church and is primarily intended for young people aged 14–30, all who wish to participate are welcome.
Yes, although it is an event promoted by the Catholic Church, everyone is welcome to attend WYD Seoul 2027.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will be from August 3 (Tue) to August 8 (Sun), 2027.
The highlights of World Youth Day are the celebrations attended by the Pope, such as the Papal welcome of the pilgrims, the Way of the Cross, the vigil and, on the last day, the Closing Mass. For one week, young people from all over the world are hosted mostly in public facilities (gyms, schools, halls...) and in parish or family homes. In addition to moments of prayer, socializing and recreation, the young people can participate in various initiatives, such as the Youth Festival, Vocational Fair, and Reconciliation Park, organized by the LOC in different parts of Seoul. More details can be found on the Outline of Activities page, which will be updated as the details are finalized.
To begin your preparations, we recommend that you first contact your local youth ministry office, either in your parish or diocese. A majority of pilgrims come to WYD as part of larger groups, and your local youth ministry organizers would be your first point of contact. We also encourage you to check out the materials we have for spiritual preparation, found on the Preparatory Resources page. You can find resources explaining what World Youth Day is, our vision for WYD Seoul 2027, and the spiritual values we are pursuing on this pilgrimage.
Registration is not required to attend WYD events. However, registered participants receive access to official pilgrim services such as accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, and the official pilgrim kit. During the main events, certain areas may also be reserved for registered participants due to security and logistical requirements.
The registration for WYD Seoul 2027 is not open now. It usually opens around one year before WYD. We will publish more information on our official channels once the timeline is confirmed.
Registration for World Youth Day usually opens around one year before the event. We will publish more information on the registration timeline as it is confirmed.
Yes, you can register as an individual. However, we encourage you to reach out to your local WYD delegation or diocesan office as well. They can help you prepare spiritually and practically for the pilgrimage and make sure you receive the latest information about schedules, accommodation, and other important details. This will also ensure that you receive official updates and support throughout your WYD journey.
Yes, you can register as a group once registration opens. We will announce more detailed guidelines about how to register as a group once the registration timeline is finalized.
To create a group of pilgrims, simply access the registration platform when it is opened and provide the requested information for the group.
While WYD is primarily intended for young people aged 14–30, all who wish to participate are welcome. Participants born on or before July 31, 2013, are eligible to register for accommodations provided by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). In accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea, participants must be born on or before December 31, 2008, to be considered adults under Korean law. Participants born after this date are considered minors and must submit a parental consent form and be accompanied by a designated responsible adult throughout the event. Please also note that, in accordance with Korean law, smoking and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited for all minors.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 14 and 30, but open to people of all ages. If you are traveling with younger children, we advise you to choose a package without accommodation and find your own lodging, as the accommodation provided for pilgrims is not suitable for small children.
The registration of pilgrims for World Youth Day will be done on an official registration platform. If you want to be present at WYD with your movement, we suggest you contact your local structure and see if they are organizing groups to go to WYD and register through them once the system opens.
In World Youth Day, groups can choose from a variety of packages that include lodging, food, transport, insurance, and the pilgrims’ kit, or various combinations thereof. The number of days included in the package is also adjustable. The Local Organizing Committee, in close collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, is in the process of determining the details of the packages for WYD Seoul 2027 and will publish more information as it is confirmed.
Groups may choose from a range of packages that include accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, and the Pilgrim Kit, with the number of days varying by package. The packages range from USD 70 to 340. Detailed information on the packages can be found on the Announcements page under “WYD Seoul 2027 Pilgrim Package Contribution Information.”
Accommodation packages provided by the LOC include a range of lodging options, such as homestays with host families and group accommodations in public facilities, including training centers, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. Group accommodations are indoor, air-conditioned facilities. As demand for homestays is expected to exceed availability, accommodation assignments will be made based on operational considerations. Unfortunately, it is not possible to request or reserve a specific accommodation type, venue, or location, as all assignments are made by the LOC according to operational needs. Pilgrims staying in group accommodations should expect to sleep on the floor using sleeping bags and share bathroom and shower facilities. Please note that accommodations provided by the LOC are available only to participants born on or before July 31, 2013. On the night before the Closing Mass, all pilgrims will gather at the main venue for the Vigil with the Holy Father and stay overnight on-site using personal sleeping bags. The LOC is carefully preparing the venue, taking into account essential logistical considerations such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and medical support to ensure a safe overnight experience.
If you do not register for a package that includes accommodations, you are welcome to arrange your own lodging at any time. If you register for a package that includes accommodations provided by the Local Organizing Committee, your accommodation assignment will be communicated to your Group Leader approximately two to three weeks before the event.
Please send your meeting request to inquiries@wydseoul.org, including the number of attendees, their affiliation, and your preferred meeting dates. Meetings are available on weekdays only, between 10 am and 5 pm subject to availability.
With participants expected from all over the world, we will need a substantial number of volunteers to serve in diverse roles. We are in the process of preparing to accept international volunteers and will share further details on our official website and social media channels once finalized.
We anticipate that applications for international volunteers who will serve during WYD Seoul 2027 will open in the second half of 2026. We will publish more information on the timeline as it is confirmed.
Volunteers must be born on or before 31 December 2008, in accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea. While applicants of all eligible ages are welcome, priority will be given to young adults, in keeping with WYD's mission to encourage young people to become evangelizers and missionaries in today's world.
Volunteers must be born on or before 31 December 2008, in accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea. While applicants of all eligible ages are welcome, priority will be given to young adults, in keeping with WYD's mission to encourage young people to become evangelisers and missionaries in today's world. In addition, volunteers should have a strong sense of responsibility, a spirit of service, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Please note that, due to service responsibilities and operational duties, volunteers may occasionally be unable to attend certain WYD events. The Local Organizing Committee is currently finalising the list of required application documents. Further details will be published in due course.
A papal visit is an event that symbolically reveals the country's status in the international community. When Pope Francis visited in 2014, it was an inspiring and comforting reflection of his efforts to seek out the marginalized, the poor, and the excluded. Moreover, it served as a motivation for a renewed beginning. Even in this age characterized by competition and exclusion, the Holy Father always emphasizes hope for humanity. The visit of the Pope, who is a symbol of peace, to the divided Korean peninsula is expected to raise international awareness of the North-South issue and provide an opportunity to discuss peace for everyone.
The Catholic Church in Korea is a vibrant minority within a predominantly non-Christian religious landscape, where 51% percent of the population has no religion. According to national statistics from 2024, Catholicism is the fourth largest religion in South Korea, with approximately 11% of the population identifying as Catholic. With no priests at first, the early Church in Korea was led by young lay believers who gathered in secret, studied scripture, and lived out the Gospel. Aspiring to build a new world, they discovered the Christian faith in their search for truth and formed a Church community by encountering the living Christ through baptism. They strived to continue their life of faith even amidst harsh persecutions that spread over one hundred years, leading to countless martyrs. The Church in modern Korea reflects the spirit of these saints, determined to be a light to the secular society and witness to the Gospel values of peace, love, and truth.
At this stage, we are still in the process of preparing the event venues in close collaboration with the Vatican, as well as the Korean government and local institutions. We will publish more information as it is available on our official channels.
The largest number of pilgrims in the history of WYD gathered in Manila in 1995 was approximately 4 million pilgrims. On the other hand, the lowest recorded number was at Sydney in 2008, with around 400,000 pilgrims. Being an island, visiting Australia wasn't easy, geographically speaking. As entry to South Korea is also only possible by air or sea, in some ways the Korean WYD is similar to Sydney. However, considering the recent global interest in South Korea, we are expecting around 500,000 participants.
World Youth Day in Seoul must be created by many people working together, with the young participants playing the leading role. Unlike other international events, WYD does not just target the youth, but seeks to include them as leaders in the preparation process. More than anything else, we must gather our hearts and prepare spiritually. We turn to Our Blessed Mother Mary in the rosary and ask for her powerful intercession, entrusting this global gathering of young people to her maternal care. We also invite everyone to pray the “Prayer for Young People” found on this website, calling down abundant graces upon all preparations and participants!
In today’s fast-changing world, we want to create spaces where young people can connect with peers from all corners of the globe, feel genuinely welcomed and loved, and explore what life really means. Through various meetings and discussions during WYD, pilgrims will have the opportunity to reflect on global issues such as climate, war, poverty, and peace, and consider what stance they should take on these issues. Furthermore, by learning to understand diverse cultures and embody the spirit of peace with an unbiased perspective, the young people who participate in WYD will contribute to the development of future international relations as they grow into social leaders.
For guidance on the correct use of the WYD Seoul 2027 logo and to ensure brand consistency, please contact the Communications Division at commu@wydseoul.org.
For more information on WYD, please contact the Communications Division at media@wydseoul.org.
The Days in the Dioceses will take place from July 29 to August 2, 2027.
The Days in the Dioceses is a meeting that precedes the week of World Youth Day and consists of the integration of young people from all over the world into the parish communities of dioceses in Korea. During these days, the pilgrims will be able to get to know the region, as well as the local Church and its particularities. All the dioceses in Korea, except the Archdiocese of Seoul, will take part in the Days in the Dioceses.
DID is an opportunity for young pilgrims to live in community with local youth in dioceses across Korea and experience the Church and culture more deeply ahead of WYD. While it is intended for those planning to attend WYD, registration for WYD is not required to participate in DID, as the two registration processes are separate.
Registration for DID is managed by the respective Diocesan Organizing Committee (DOC). For more information about the Korean dioceses hosting DID and how to register, please visit wyd2027did.org.
There is no cost to participate in any of the events during World Youth Day. However, part of the funding of the organizational logistics comes from pilgrims' participation in covering the costs of the gathering by registering and choosing their Pilgrim Package. Detailed information on the packages can be found on the Announcements page under “WYD Seoul 2027 Pilgrim Package Contribution Information.”
Because visa regulations vary from country to country, pilgrims should verify the requirements applicable to their nationality. The LOC is in coordination with the Korean government to help simplify the procedure, and more information will be provided as it is confirmed.
Thank you for your interest in collaborating with WYD. If you would like to collaborate in WYD Seoul 2027 events, please send your proposal to the Events Division at youthfestival@wydseoul.org.
The invitation to participate in WYD is for everyone and people with special needs are very welcome. As we know that there are important limitations, we are working on the details so that everyone can participate in all the activities. We will publish more information as soon as possible.
World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young people established by Saint John Paul II. First held in Rome in 1986, WYD is led by the Holy Father and takes place every few years in a host city chosen by the Pope. WYD is a pilgrimage of faith, an expression of the universal Church, and an instrument of evangelization for young people. Through prayer, catechesis, the celebration of the Eucharist, and fellowship, it invites participants to encounter Christ, deepen their faith, discern their vocation, and become active members of the Church. At the same time, WYD is more than a religious event. It is a global encounter where young people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together to build friendships, learn from one another, and promote the universal values of truth, love, peace, solidarity, and respect for human dignity.
While WYD is organised by the Catholic Church and is primarily intended for young people aged 14–30, all who wish to participate are welcome.
Yes, although it is an event promoted by the Catholic Church, everyone is welcome to attend WYD Seoul 2027.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will be from August 3 (Tue) to August 8 (Sun), 2027.
The highlights of World Youth Day are the celebrations attended by the Pope, such as the Papal welcome of the pilgrims, the Way of the Cross, the vigil and, on the last day, the Closing Mass. For one week, young people from all over the world are hosted mostly in public facilities (gyms, schools, halls...) and in parish or family homes. In addition to moments of prayer, socializing and recreation, the young people can participate in various initiatives, such as the Youth Festival, Vocational Fair, and Reconciliation Park, organized by the LOC in different parts of Seoul. More details can be found on the Outline of Activities page, which will be updated as the details are finalized.
To begin your preparations, we recommend that you first contact your local youth ministry office, either in your parish or diocese. A majority of pilgrims come to WYD as part of larger groups, and your local youth ministry organizers would be your first point of contact. We also encourage you to check out the materials we have for spiritual preparation, found on the Preparatory Resources page. You can find resources explaining what World Youth Day is, our vision for WYD Seoul 2027, and the spiritual values we are pursuing on this pilgrimage.
To create a group of pilgrims, simply access the registration platform when it is opened and provide the requested information for the group.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 14 and 30, but open to people of all ages. If you are traveling with younger children, we advise you to choose a package without accommodation and find your own lodging, as the accommodation provided for pilgrims is not suitable for small children.
Please send your meeting request to inquiries@wydseoul.org, including the number of attendees, their affiliation, and your preferred meeting dates. Meetings are available on weekdays only, between 10 am and 5 pm subject to availability.
A papal visit is an event that symbolically reveals the country's status in the international community. When Pope Francis visited in 2014, it was an inspiring and comforting reflection of his efforts to seek out the marginalized, the poor, and the excluded. Moreover, it served as a motivation for a renewed beginning. Even in this age characterized by competition and exclusion, the Holy Father always emphasizes hope for humanity. The visit of the Pope, who is a symbol of peace, to the divided Korean peninsula is expected to raise international awareness of the North-South issue and provide an opportunity to discuss peace for everyone.
The Catholic Church in Korea is a vibrant minority within a predominantly non-Christian religious landscape, where 51% percent of the population has no religion. According to national statistics from 2024, Catholicism is the fourth largest religion in South Korea, with approximately 11% of the population identifying as Catholic. With no priests at first, the early Church in Korea was led by young lay believers who gathered in secret, studied scripture, and lived out the Gospel. Aspiring to build a new world, they discovered the Christian faith in their search for truth and formed a Church community by encountering the living Christ through baptism. They strived to continue their life of faith even amidst harsh persecutions that spread over one hundred years, leading to countless martyrs. The Church in modern Korea reflects the spirit of these saints, determined to be a light to the secular society and witness to the Gospel values of peace, love, and truth.
At this stage, we are still in the process of preparing the event venues in close collaboration with the Vatican, as well as the Korean government and local institutions. We will publish more information as it is available on our official channels.
The largest number of pilgrims in the history of WYD gathered in Manila in 1995 was approximately 4 million pilgrims. On the other hand, the lowest recorded number was at Sydney in 2008, with around 400,000 pilgrims. Being an island, visiting Australia wasn't easy, geographically speaking. As entry to South Korea is also only possible by air or sea, in some ways the Korean WYD is similar to Sydney. However, considering the recent global interest in South Korea, we are expecting around 500,000 participants.
World Youth Day in Seoul must be created by many people working together, with the young participants playing the leading role. Unlike other international events, WYD does not just target the youth, but seeks to include them as leaders in the preparation process. More than anything else, we must gather our hearts and prepare spiritually. We turn to Our Blessed Mother Mary in the rosary and ask for her powerful intercession, entrusting this global gathering of young people to her maternal care. We also invite everyone to pray the “Prayer for Young People” found on this website, calling down abundant graces upon all preparations and participants!
In today’s fast-changing world, we want to create spaces where young people can connect with peers from all corners of the globe, feel genuinely welcomed and loved, and explore what life really means. Through various meetings and discussions during WYD, pilgrims will have the opportunity to reflect on global issues such as climate, war, poverty, and peace, and consider what stance they should take on these issues. Furthermore, by learning to understand diverse cultures and embody the spirit of peace with an unbiased perspective, the young people who participate in WYD will contribute to the development of future international relations as they grow into social leaders.
For guidance on the correct use of the WYD Seoul 2027 logo and to ensure brand consistency, please contact the Communications Division at commu@wydseoul.org.
For more information on WYD, please contact the Communications Division at media@wydseoul.org.
The Days in the Dioceses will take place from July 29 to August 2, 2027.
The Days in the Dioceses is a meeting that precedes the week of World Youth Day and consists of the integration of young people from all over the world into the parish communities of dioceses in Korea. During these days, the pilgrims will be able to get to know the region, as well as the local Church and its particularities. All the dioceses in Korea, except the Archdiocese of Seoul, will take part in the Days in the Dioceses.
DID is an opportunity for young pilgrims to live in community with local youth in dioceses across Korea and experience the Church and culture more deeply ahead of WYD. While it is intended for those planning to attend WYD, registration for WYD is not required to participate in DID, as the two registration processes are separate.
Registration for DID is managed by the respective Diocesan Organizing Committee (DOC). For more information about the Korean dioceses hosting DID and how to register, please visit wyd2027did.org.
There is no cost to participate in any of the events during World Youth Day. However, part of the funding of the organizational logistics comes from pilgrims' participation in covering the costs of the gathering by registering and choosing their Pilgrim Package. Detailed information on the packages can be found on the Announcements page under “WYD Seoul 2027 Pilgrim Package Contribution Information.”
Because visa regulations vary from country to country, pilgrims should verify the requirements applicable to their nationality. The LOC is in coordination with the Korean government to help simplify the procedure, and more information will be provided as it is confirmed.
Thank you for your interest in collaborating with WYD. If you would like to collaborate in WYD Seoul 2027 events, please send your proposal to the Events Division at youthfestival@wydseoul.org.
The invitation to participate in WYD is for everyone and people with special needs are very welcome. As we know that there are important limitations, we are working on the details so that everyone can participate in all the activities. We will publish more information as soon as possible.
Accommodation packages provided by the LOC include a range of lodging options, such as homestays with host families and group accommodations in public facilities, including training centers, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. Group accommodations are indoor, air-conditioned facilities. As demand for homestays is expected to exceed availability, accommodation assignments will be made based on operational considerations. Unfortunately, it is not possible to request or reserve a specific accommodation type, venue, or location, as all assignments are made by the LOC according to operational needs. Pilgrims staying in group accommodations should expect to sleep on the floor using sleeping bags and share bathroom and shower facilities. Please note that accommodations provided by the LOC are available only to participants born on or before July 31, 2013. On the night before the Closing Mass, all pilgrims will gather at the main venue for the Vigil with the Holy Father and stay overnight on-site using personal sleeping bags. The LOC is carefully preparing the venue, taking into account essential logistical considerations such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and medical support to ensure a safe overnight experience.
If you do not register for a package that includes accommodations, you are welcome to arrange your own lodging at any time. If you register for a package that includes accommodations provided by the Local Organizing Committee, your accommodation assignment will be communicated to your Group Leader approximately two to three weeks before the event.
Registration is not required to attend WYD events. However, registered participants receive access to official pilgrim services such as accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, and the official pilgrim kit. During the main events, certain areas may also be reserved for registered participants due to security and logistical requirements.
The registration for WYD Seoul 2027 is not open now. It usually opens around one year before WYD. We will publish more information on our official channels once the timeline is confirmed.
Registration for World Youth Day usually opens around one year before the event. We will publish more information on the registration timeline as it is confirmed.
Yes, you can register as an individual. However, we encourage you to reach out to your local WYD delegation or diocesan office as well. They can help you prepare spiritually and practically for the pilgrimage and make sure you receive the latest information about schedules, accommodation, and other important details. This will also ensure that you receive official updates and support throughout your WYD journey.
Yes, you can register as a group once registration opens. We will announce more detailed guidelines about how to register as a group once the registration timeline is finalized.
While WYD is primarily intended for young people aged 14–30, all who wish to participate are welcome. Participants born on or before July 31, 2013, are eligible to register for accommodations provided by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). In accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea, participants must be born on or before December 31, 2008, to be considered adults under Korean law. Participants born after this date are considered minors and must submit a parental consent form and be accompanied by a designated responsible adult throughout the event. Please also note that, in accordance with Korean law, smoking and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited for all minors.
The registration of pilgrims for World Youth Day will be done on an official registration platform. If you want to be present at WYD with your movement, we suggest you contact your local structure and see if they are organizing groups to go to WYD and register through them once the system opens.
In World Youth Day, groups can choose from a variety of packages that include lodging, food, transport, insurance, and the pilgrims’ kit, or various combinations thereof. The number of days included in the package is also adjustable. The Local Organizing Committee, in close collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, is in the process of determining the details of the packages for WYD Seoul 2027 and will publish more information as it is confirmed.
Groups may choose from a range of packages that include accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, and the Pilgrim Kit, with the number of days varying by package. The packages range from USD 70 to 340. Detailed information on the packages can be found on the Announcements page under “WYD Seoul 2027 Pilgrim Package Contribution Information.”
With participants expected from all over the world, we will need a substantial number of volunteers to serve in diverse roles. We are in the process of preparing to accept international volunteers and will share further details on our official website and social media channels once finalized.
We anticipate that applications for international volunteers who will serve during WYD Seoul 2027 will open in the second half of 2026. We will publish more information on the timeline as it is confirmed.
Volunteers must be born on or before 31 December 2008, in accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea. While applicants of all eligible ages are welcome, priority will be given to young adults, in keeping with WYD's mission to encourage young people to become evangelizers and missionaries in today's world.
Volunteers must be born on or before 31 December 2008, in accordance with the Youth Protection Act of the Republic of Korea. While applicants of all eligible ages are welcome, priority will be given to young adults, in keeping with WYD's mission to encourage young people to become evangelisers and missionaries in today's world. In addition, volunteers should have a strong sense of responsibility, a spirit of service, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Please note that, due to service responsibilities and operational duties, volunteers may occasionally be unable to attend certain WYD events. The Local Organizing Committee is currently finalising the list of required application documents. Further details will be published in due course.