Prepare
Ready your heart and your bag
Pray with the whole Church, pack for a Korean summer, and learn a little Korean before you go.
Get ready
Prepare your heart and your bag
Official prayer for WYD Seoul 2027
Loving Lord of all young people,
we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.
Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever.
May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage,
realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.
O Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
by your wondrous hand
you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea.
Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts,
making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth.
Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day
we may listen to each other, discern your will,
and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen.
Our Lady of mercy and peace, pray for us.
Holy patrons of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, pray for all young people.
Prayer in 20+ languages · Official theme song · Preparation workbook
Weather
Korean summer is hot, humid and rainy: up to 38°C, sudden downpours, and typhoons are possible. Plan for heat, not Australian winter.
Pack
- Passport valid 6+ months after travel
- Sleeping bag (accommodation is on the floor, and the Vigil is outdoors)
- Rain gear, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent
- Light jacket for air-conditioned halls
- Modest clothes for Mass and churches
- Type C/F (220V) travel adapter
- Your regular medications
Entry to Korea
Australians can usually visit Korea visa-free for short stays, but check whether a K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) applies for 2027. Invitation letters will be available through official WYD registration if needed.
Korea 101
Get ready for Korea
A few words, a few manners and a lot of good food. Locals love it when visitors try.
Ten phrases to learn
Tap a phrase to hear it
- 안녕하세요annyeong-haseyoHello
- 감사합니다gamsa-hamnidaThank you
- 찬미 예수님chanmi yesu-nimPraise Jesus! (how Korean Catholics greet each other)
- 네 / 아니요ne / aniyoYes / No
- 죄송합니다joesong-hamnidaSorry
- 괜찮아요gwaenchanayoIt’s okay / I’m fine
- 얼마예요?eolma-yeyo?How much is it?
- 화장실 어디예요?hwajangsil eodi-yeyo?Where is the toilet?
- 물 주세요mul juseyoWater, please
- 맛있어요!masisseoyo!It’s delicious!
Food
- Try: bibimbap (rice bowl), kimbap (rice rolls, perfect for days on the go), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Korean fried chicken.
- Spice warning: red usually means hot. Kimchi comes with almost every meal.
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are everywhere and cheap, and the WYD meal card works at many of them.
- Water is usually free and self-serve in restaurants.
Manners
- A small bow goes with hello and thank you.
- Give and receive things with two hands, especially from older people.
- Take your shoes off when entering homes. Homestay pilgrims, this is you.
- Keep your voice down on the subway, and don’t stand your chopsticks upright in rice.
- Tipping isn’t expected.
Getting around
- Seoul’s subway is clean, fast and signed in English. The WYD transport card covers buses and the subway in Seoul.
- Google Maps is limited in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap, plus Papago for translating.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere. The currency is the Korean won (KRW).
- Emergencies: 112 police, 119 ambulance and fire, 1330 tourist helpline (English).