FAQ
World Youth Day is celebrated yearly in each diocese, but there is also an international gathering. At the beginning, the international gathering was held every other year. The first diocesan WYD was held in 1986, with the first international WYD (and second WYD) being held the next year, in 1987 in Buenos Aires. In 1988, the third WYD was commemorated in dioceses around the world, and in 1989 young people from around the world gathered in Santiago de Compostela for WYD. Today, the diocesan World Youth Day is celebrated every year in individual dioceses. Then, once every three to four years, young people from around the world gather to celebrate it with the Pope.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 14 and 30, but pilgrims of other ages are welcome to register.
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.
The events of World Youth Day are open to everyone, and registration is not required to participate. However, pilgrim kits and support packages are only available to those who register with the LOC, either beforehand or on-site. If you are looking for logistical support on your pilgrimage, we encourage you to register.
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 register a group of pilgrims it is enough, from the date of the beginning of the registrations, to access the registration platform and provide the requested information.
WYD Seoul 2027 is targeted to pilgrims from around the world between the ages of 14 and 30 (at the time of WYD), with pilgrims of other ages being allowed to register.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 15 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.
The amount of contribution for registration package has been determined in close collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. More detailed information will be announced soon through official channels.
Before WYD, there are also Days in the Dioceses, where pilgrims get to experience other dioceses around Korea before heading to Seoul for the six days of the festival. Both before and during WYD, homestays have long been a hallmark, allowing international youth to connect deeply with local family traditions and culture. We are preparing Korean families to open their homes and hearts, but as with previous WYDs, we expect that there will be more pilgrims than families to accommodate them. Therefore, we are also securing venues such as retreat houses, training centers, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, with plans to assign participants to the appropriate accommodations. Of course, on the day before the Closing Mass, all pilgrims will move to the venue and spend an evening in prayer with the Pope before spending the night in sleeping bags. The WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee is carefully considering the location for this Mass, with an emphasis on the logistics, such as water supply, restrooms, garbage disposal, and medical facilities, so that the pilgrims can spend the night safely.
If you will not register for a package that includes accommodation, you can begin searching for accommodations now. However, if you will register for a package that includes accommodation, you will have to wait until the LOC assigns your accommodations to you.
The Global Relations Division of the LOC is available and delighted to welcome everyone. You can send your request to global@wydseoul.org.
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.
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest.
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest. Volunteers must have a sense of responsibility, service, and ability to work independently and as part of a team. The LOC is in the process of finalizing the list of required documents and will provide updates 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. 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 to 700,000 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.
he 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 who will participate in World Youth Day to live in community with the youth of Korea in their dioceses. However, the process of choosing the diocese for DID can be done before the official registration for WYD.
Registrations must be made directly with the Diocesan Organizing Committees (DOC). The DOC will have an official website prepared sometime during the first half of 2026 where you will be able to find information on each of the dioceses.
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. The cost of the pilgrim packages will be determined by the specific options selected, such as transportation, days of accommodation requested, and food services.
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 is celebrated yearly in each diocese, but there is also an international gathering. At the beginning, the international gathering was held every other year. The first diocesan WYD was held in 1986, with the first international WYD (and second WYD) being held the next year, in 1987 in Buenos Aires. In 1988, the third WYD was commemorated in dioceses around the world, and in 1989 young people from around the world gathered in Santiago de Compostela for WYD. Today, the diocesan World Youth Day is celebrated every year in individual dioceses. Then, once every three to four years, young people from around the world gather to celebrate it with the Pope.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 14 and 30, but pilgrims of other ages are welcome to register.
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 register a group of pilgrims it is enough, from the date of the beginning of the registrations, to access the registration platform and provide the requested information.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is targeted to people between the ages of 15 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 Global Relations Division of the LOC is available and delighted to welcome everyone. You can send your request to global@wydseoul.org.
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. 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 to 700,000 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.
he 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 who will participate in World Youth Day to live in community with the youth of Korea in their dioceses. However, the process of choosing the diocese for DID can be done before the official registration for WYD.
Registrations must be made directly with the Diocesan Organizing Committees (DOC). The DOC will have an official website prepared sometime during the first half of 2026 where you will be able to find information on each of the dioceses.
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. The cost of the pilgrim packages will be determined by the specific options selected, such as transportation, days of accommodation requested, and food services.
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.
Before WYD, there are also Days in the Dioceses, where pilgrims get to experience other dioceses around Korea before heading to Seoul for the six days of the festival. Both before and during WYD, homestays have long been a hallmark, allowing international youth to connect deeply with local family traditions and culture. We are preparing Korean families to open their homes and hearts, but as with previous WYDs, we expect that there will be more pilgrims than families to accommodate them. Therefore, we are also securing venues such as retreat houses, training centers, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, with plans to assign participants to the appropriate accommodations. Of course, on the day before the Closing Mass, all pilgrims will move to the venue and spend an evening in prayer with the Pope before spending the night in sleeping bags. The WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee is carefully considering the location for this Mass, with an emphasis on the logistics, such as water supply, restrooms, garbage disposal, and medical facilities, so that the pilgrims can spend the night safely.
If you will not register for a package that includes accommodation, you can begin searching for accommodations now. However, if you will register for a package that includes accommodation, you will have to wait until the LOC assigns your accommodations to you.
The events of World Youth Day are open to everyone, and registration is not required to participate. However, pilgrim kits and support packages are only available to those who register with the LOC, either beforehand or on-site. If you are looking for logistical support on your pilgrimage, we encourage you to register.
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.
WYD Seoul 2027 is targeted to pilgrims from around the world between the ages of 14 and 30 (at the time of WYD), with pilgrims of other ages being allowed to register.
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.
The amount of contribution for registration package has been determined in close collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. More detailed information will be announced soon through official channels.
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.
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest.
You can register as a volunteer candidate from the age of 18, but preference will be given to candidates between 18 and 35 years old, since WYD is dedicated to the youngest. Volunteers must have a sense of responsibility, service, and ability to work independently and as part of a team. The LOC is in the process of finalizing the list of required documents and will provide updates in due course.