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(Originally published by the Archdiocese of Seoul on October 27, 2025. Reposted with permission.)

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The Master Plan for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 was formally unveiled on October 27.

At a press conference held this morning at the Omnibus Park Convention Hall of the Catholic University of Korea, the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced that—following close consultation with the Holy See—it had finalized the Master Plan and officially entered the full implementation phase of preparations.

Opening the briefing, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Archbishop of Seoul, emphasized that the announcement represented far more than an administrative milestone.

“This is not merely the unveiling of an event plan; rather, it is a declaration of faith and hope, a solemn pledge to the young people of the world, and an earnest invitation to reflect together on the path that humanity is called to walk as one family under God.”

He added that “Seoul in 2027 will be more than a host city. It will become a city of hope, a city of solidarity, and a city of mission.”

World Youth Day: A Global Celebration of Youth and Universal Human Values

Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, General Coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027, outlined the history, mission, and key programs of the World Youth Day.

He explained that “World Youth Day is a celebration where young people from every nation come together to contemplate and share the universal values that unite the human family.”

Established in 1985 by Pope Saint John Paul II, WYD has since become a living symbol of peace, fraternity, and hope for the young Church and for humanity.

Since its beginning in Rome in 1986, the global pilgrimage has welcomed more than 23.5 million participants. In Manila (1995), nearly four million young people gathered — the largest WYD to date — while Lisbon (2023) drew more than 1.5 million pilgrims.

The Seoul gathering in 2027 will be the 17th World Youth Day, bearing historic significance as the first to be held in a divided nation, the first in a non-Christian country, and only the second in Asia. It will also coincide with the Apostolic Visit of the Holy Father to Korea.

Core Vision: Truth, Love, and Peace

“Together with young people from around the world, we will reflect upon the dignity of the human person rooted in the Gospel, strengthen the courage to face the challenges of our time, and embrace the spiritual values that guide humanity toward a future of life and hope.”

Bishop Lee presented Truth, Love, and Peace as the spiritualities of WYD Seoul 2027. He noted that the overarching theme of Love embraces care for creation and ecological conversion, adding that “over 700 trees have already been planted to offset carbon emissions, and this effort will continue until 2027.”

He also announced the establishment of international youth networks dedicated to environmental stewardship, along with symposia and workshops where young people will share ideas and initiatives for the common good.

Schedule: July 29 – August 8, 2027 (11 Days, 10 Nights)

WYD Seoul 2027 will take place over 11 days, from July 29 to August 8, 2027. The first phase (July 29 – August 2), known as Days in the Dioceses, will be hosted across Korea’s 15 dioceses, followed by the main events (August 3 – 8) held throughout Seoul.

During the Days in the Dioceses, participants will experience the life of local communities through parish programs and homestays with host families.

The main events will include six central celebrations: the Opening Mass, Welcome Ceremony with the Holy Father, Youth Festival, Catechesis, Way of the Cross, and the Vigil and the Closing Mass.

Bishop Lee noted that the Opening Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Chung, with the participation of the College of Cardinals and bishops from more than 160 countries. The Welcome Ceremony, marking the Holy Father’s first encounter with young pilgrims, will combine cultural and artistic performances with the Pope’s message to youth.

He described the Youth Festival as “a vibrant celebration of faith and creativity unfolding each day,” and the Way of the Cross as “a profound moment for young people to meditate on the sufferings of humanity and rediscover hope and courage.”

Venues and Scale

The Local Organizing Committee also announced candidate venues for the main events.
The Vigil and Closing Mass are being considered for Olympic Park or Yeouido Hangang Park, while the Opening Mass and Welcome Ceremony are under review for Seoul World Cup Stadium and Gwanghwamun Square.

An International Event of One Million Participants — Active Cooperation from Government and Local Authorities Is Essential

Fr. Joseph Young-je Lee, Executive Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee, projected attendance at the Closing Mass to reach one million participants. He presented detailed plans for immigration procedures, accommodation, meals, transportation, and safety management.

He emphasized that registration would follow the principles of accessibility, free participation, and solidarity, ensuring that “every young person, regardless of background or religion, can take part.”

“Participation is entirely free of charge,” he said. “This accessibility will allow young people across Korea — including those who are not Catholic — to join the celebration.”

Accommodation will be managed through 233 parishes across the Archdiocese of Seoul, with separate arrangements by gender and dedicated facilities for minors accompanied by their group leaders.

Regarding safety, Fr. Lee explained that a multi-tiered system will be established, involving police, fire, medical, and volunteer personnel, together with safeguarding system for minors.

He underscored that WYD Seoul 2027 is “a national endeavor that cannot be realized by private effort alone,” stressing the need for active cooperation across administration, security, finance, transportation, healthcare, and communication infrastructure.

“The Local Organizing Committee will continue to work closely with the Holy See, the government, local authorities, and civic organizations to ensure the success of this event,” he said. “As Archbishop Chung has emphasized, transparency and accountability will remain our highest priorities in all aspects of budgeting and operations.”

A Message of Peace and Hope to the World

Bishop Lee concluded:
“World Youth Day transcends the boundaries of religion. It is a historic opportunity for Korea to share with the world a message of peace, harmony, and solidarity.”

He reaffirmed that the Local Organizing Committee, together with the government and local authorities, will work tirelessly to ensure that this global celebration of faith, peace, and youth will be safe, inspiring, and truly transformative.