World Youth Day Comes to Seoul, South Korea
World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering that brings Catholic youth from around the world together in a spirit of unity to strengthen the Universal Church. This multi-day event includes catechesis, prayer, the sacraments, cultural exchange, and a final Mass with the Holy Father.
Pope St. John Paul II announced WYD in 1985, and since then, the event has taken place every few years with millions of young people having made a WYD pilgrimage from diverse backgrounds and from all over the world. The camaraderie and communal worship of WYD is a palpable example of the breadth of the Universal Church.
At the conclusion of the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis announced that the event would be held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027. With the dates now finalized, it is time to plan a pilgrimage to Seoul for this life-changing event.
Seoul’s Catholic Heritage
For many Western Catholics, Seoul, South Korea, might seem an unlikely pilgrimage site. Though Catholicism was formally introduced to the region relatively recently, in the late 18th century, it boasts significant spiritual fervor and sacrifice for the Catholic faith.
A unique aspect of South Korean Catholicism is its origin: it was not primarily initiated by foreign missionaries. Instead, Korean scholars like Yi Seung-hun discovered the faith and were baptized in China. They then brought the faith to their peers. Its growth was largely grassroots, propelled by lay people who formed faith communities, especially among the poor and middle classes.
The egalitarian nature of the Catholic Faith was in opposition to the Joseon Dynasty, which viewed it as an affront to traditional Korean values and societal norms, especially in regard to ancestor rites and societal hierarchies, which were tenets of Confucianism, Korea’s prevalent religious ideology. For over a century, the dynasty attempted to suppress the burgeoning faith through state-sponsored repression and persecution. However, the numerous martyrdoms, including the first native Korean priest (St. Andrew Taegon Kim) during this tragic period, solidified the Church’s foundation in Korea, as Christ’s followers consistently chose their faith despite the severe consequences.
Korea’s foreign policy shifted from isolationism to openness, culminating in the Treaty of Amity with France, signed in 1886. The treaty allowed greater religious freedom, among many other things. While this did not end the persecution, it took away the power of law to deal it out. The faithful continued to face adversity even as their numbers swelled. In 1984, Pope John Paul II canonized 103 Korean Martyrs in Seoul, unequivocally affirming the Catholic Faith’s vitality in South Korea.
Today, approximately 11% of the population is baptized Catholic. The country’s many shrines and cathedrals beautifully exemplify how the Love of Our Lord, the Good News of the Gospel, and a strong faith community can grow exponentially, even in the face of persecution. This makes Seoul, South Korea, a poignant destination for today’s fervent Catholic youth.
Planning a Trip to World Youth Day with Select International Tours
Select International Tours is excited to help you plan a group pilgrimage to WYD in 2027. Our experience organizing trips in the last four WYD events, as well as our vast experience in International Travel for Catholic groups, has equipped our staff to serve you and your group well.
We have already sent scouts to vet hotels and local guides, and more are traveling this fall in preparation for your groups. If you have a group from your parish, diocese, or other organization looking to go to WYD in 2027, please give Select a call. We would love to help!