About WYD
Seoul 2027
The theme, the logo, the patron saints, and answers to your questions.
The story
Why Seoul is special
The Korean Church was founded by young lay people who discovered the Gospel through books, before a single priest arrived. Over a hundred years of persecution followed, and thousands were martyred.
Today about 11% of Koreans are Catholic, in a country where half the population has no religion. Organisers expect around 500,000 pilgrims from every continent.
The WYD Cross and Icon of Our Lady already came to us: they were carried through Melbourne and Sydney from 29 November to 6 December 2025 on their way to Korea.
The patron saints
St John Paul II
The Pope who started World Youth Day in 1986.
St Andrew Kim Taegon & companions
Korea’s first priest, martyred at 25 in 1846, with the 103 Korean martyr saints.
St Frances Xavier Cabrini
Missionary to migrants and patron of immigrants.
St Josephine Bakhita
Kidnapped and enslaved as a child in Sudan, she became a joyful religious sister.
St Carlo Acutis
A teenager who loved the Eucharist and the internet; canonised in 2025.
Questions
Good to know
What is World Youth Day?
A global gathering of young Catholics with the Pope, started by St John Paul II in 1986. It’s a week of prayer, teaching, the sacraments, music and friendship, and it ends with a huge open-air Mass.
Do I have to be part of Jesus Youth to come?
No. Anyone is welcome to come. Just fill in the EOI and we’ll send you the registration details.
How much will it cost?
There’s one package, AUD $1,400 per person. It covers accommodation and meals at the Jesus Youth Pre-WYD Gathering, and basic accommodation, meals and transport in Seoul for World Youth Day. Flights aren’t included: you book your own flights to Korea, so budget for those separately.
Is there a discount?
Yes. Register for Chosen 2026 (19–22 November 2026, La Trobe University, Bundoora) and you’ll get $100 off your WYD package.
Where will we stay?
At the Jesus Youth Pre-WYD Gathering, accommodation and meals are included. For WYD week in Seoul, the package includes basic accommodation: WYD’s communal accommodation, assigned by the WYD organisers. These are simple, shared spaces in public and institutional facilities such as school auditoriums, classrooms, gymnasiums and universities, with shared toilets and bathrooms. Bring your own sleeping bag. On the Saturday night everyone sleeps outdoors at the Vigil site.
Is the EOI a commitment?
No. It tells us you’re interested, and everyone who submits an EOI will be sent the registration details. You decide then whether to register.
Can I volunteer at WYD instead?
Yes. Short-term volunteers serve in Seoul from 26 July to 9 August 2027 and must be born on or before 31 December 2008. Applications open through the official registration system in late October 2026. Talk to us first so we can support you.
What about Days in the Dioceses?
Days in the Dioceses (29 July – 2 August) run at the same time as the Jesus Youth Pre-WYD Gathering, so our group will be at the Jesus Youth gathering in the Diocese of Suwon instead.
Is there a pilgrimage or mission trip as well?
Not at this stage. There’s interest from some countries in a mission exposure to Korea or nearby countries, and Jesus Youth may explore it if enough people want to go. Tell us in your EOI if you’d be keen.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email the WYD team at wyd@jesusyouth.org.au.
Still have a question?
Email the WYD team at wyd@jesusyouth.org.au.