“Pilgrimages are vital for a Christian’s life of faith.” — Pope Leo XIV
World Youth Day 2027
A Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea
August 1 – 10, 2027 · 10 days · with Fr. Jonathan Wilson and Nathan Forsthoefel
About This Pilgrimage
Join Fr. Jonathan Wilson for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. This is a powerful opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in the heart of the Church alongside young Catholics from around the world. Together, we will walk in the footsteps of the Korean martyrs, pray at sacred sites, and take part in the global celebration of faith through catechesis, the Youth Festival, the Way of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and the closing Mass with the Holy Father.
This pilgrimage is designed especially for young adults who are ready to step away from the ordinary, embrace a full and active schedule, and open their hearts to a deeper conversion in Christ. If you are seeking more in your faith, clarity in your life, and a deeper sense of purpose, this journey is for you.
How to Participate
To make sure spots in our parish group go first to those most connected to Saint Paul the Apostle, registration happens in three steps:
- Express interest by completing the short form below. There is no commitment at this stage.
- We review submissions, prioritizing young adults of our parish.
- You receive a registration link directly from us once your spot is confirmed.
What’s Included
- Round-trip airfare from Columbus (or your preferred U.S. airport)
- Prepaid seat assignments, taxes, and fuel surcharges
- Eight nights at a Seoul hotel (double occupancy)
- Full buffet breakfast daily; welcome and farewell dinners with wine, soda, or coffee
- Six lunches and six dinners (Days 3–8) included with the official World Youth Day registration package
- Official World Youth Day registration fee and program
- All transfers and air-conditioned motor coach transportation
- Tour escort throughout, with whisper headsets where needed
- Daily Mass and spiritual activities led by Fr. Wilson
- All sightseeing and admission fees per the itinerary
- Free Wi-Fi and water on the bus
- Flight bag and a PDF portfolio of all travel documents
Not included: meals and beverages not listed above; tips for guides and drivers; optional travel protection.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Click any day to see what’s planned. The full itinerary is provided so you know exactly what to expect.
Day 1 — Sun, Aug 1: Depart for Seoul
Depart the USA for your overnight flight(s) to Seoul. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 — Mon, Aug 2: Arrive in Seoul
Upon arrival at Seoul airport, meet your driver in the arrivals hall for your transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we visit Gahoe-dong Church — where the first Mass of the Korean Catholic Church was celebrated — for prayer and reflection. Afterward, we share a traditional Korean meal at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3 — Tue, Aug 3: Walking Pilgrimage in Seoul · WYD Opening Mass
After breakfast, we immerse ourselves in the story of the Korean Catholic Church with a walking pilgrimage along the “Good News Road” in downtown Seoul. We begin at Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul, and continue to historically significant Catholic sites including the homes of John the Baptist Yi Byeok and Thomas Kim Beom-u, as well as Jongno Catholic Church. Later we attend the World Youth Day Opening Mass, celebrated by the Archbishop and local bishops, bringing together young people from all over the world. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
World Youth Day officially begins this evening with the Opening Mass.
Day 4 — Wed, Aug 4: WYD Catechesis & Youth Festival
The morning begins with catechesis led by bishops, part of the WYD “Triduum,” helping us reflect and grow in faith alongside young Catholics from around the world. In the afternoon, we take part in the vibrant Youth Festival, filled with music, testimonies, and cultural events. Pilgrims may also visit the Vocations Fair and the Reconciliation Center, and attend Youth Festival events ranging from concerts and speakers to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and fellowship. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
Day 5 — Thu, Aug 5: Arrival of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV
Following breakfast, you have a free day to enjoy the many World Youth Day organized events. After morning catechesis, we prepare for one of the most anticipated moments of WYD: the Welcome Ceremony with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This powerful encounter opens our hearts to the joy of faith as the Pope greets the youth of the world. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
Day 6 — Fri, Aug 6: Catechesis & Way of the Cross
Catechesis sessions in the morning, followed by moments of fellowship with other groups. In the afternoon, we join the Holy Father and thousands of pilgrims for the Way of the Cross — a moving prayer that unites us with Christ’s suffering and the witness of the martyrs. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
Day 7 — Sat, Aug 7: Pilgrimage Walk & Vigil with the Holy Father
Following breakfast, enjoy organized World Youth Day events. Later in the day, participate in the Pilgrimage Walk to the Vigil site. As evening falls, we participate in the Vigil and Eucharistic Adoration with the Holy Father, surrounded by faith and song. Overnight under the stars at the Vigil grounds.
Vigil and Eucharistic Adoration with the Holy Father, followed by Confession and WYD events.
Day 8 — Sun, Aug 8: Closing Mass with the Holy Father
Today we attend the World Youth Day Mass of Sending, the Final Mass with the Holy Father. The Pope concelebrates Mass with thousands of bishops and priests and addresses young people, sending them out to the world to witness their faith. Together with pilgrims from every continent, we celebrate the Eucharist and listen to the announcement of the next WYD location. In the afternoon, the Pope meets with volunteers in gratitude. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
Day 9 — Mon, Aug 9: Eternal Life Road & Free Day in Seoul
After breakfast, we journey along the “Eternal Life Road,” visiting the site of the beatification of 124 Korean martyrs, the Seosomun Shrine History Museum, and Yakhyeon Shrine. Later, ascend Namsan Tower, pray at striking shrines and beautiful churches such as Dangoggae, or explore Gwangjang Market and Bukchon Hanok Village. We conclude the day with a festive farewell dinner and overnight in Seoul.
Day 10 — Tue, Aug 10: Return Home
This morning we transfer to Seoul airport for our return flights home.
Occasionally, local religious or national holidays, weather, traffic, or other events may necessitate changes to the sequence of events. Every effort will be made to follow this itinerary, but it should be considered an indication rather than a guarantee.
Pricing
$5,973 per person with airfare from Columbus, double occupancy. Fundraising options will be available to help offset the cost of the trip.
A $500 deposit is required at the time of registration (non-refundable, non-transferable). Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
Pricing as of May 8, 2026 and subject to change. Departures from other U.S. airports and single-room or triple-room options are available; ask in your interest form.
Your Pilgrimage Leaders
Fr. Jonathan Wilson serves as our spiritual director, leading daily Mass and accompanying pilgrims throughout the journey.
Nathan Forsthoefel serves as group leader, coordinating logistics and supporting pilgrims along the way.
Express Your Interest
This is the first step. Completing this form is not a registration and does not commit you to the trip. Once we’ve reviewed submissions, we’ll reach out personally with next steps.
Fill Out the Interest Form
Information Session
Want to learn more before completing the form? Join us in person for an information session about the pilgrimage.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Lower Level Room 3, Saint Paul the Apostle Church
This page is for interest collection and screening purposes only. Final pilgrimage details, pricing, terms and conditions, policies, and registration information will be provided through the official registration page hosted by 206 Tours and will govern in the event of any discrepancy.
Questions?
Reach out to Jami Warner with any questions about the pilgrimage.