SEOUL (SE): “Today, as registration opens for next year’s World Youth Day, I warmly invite each of you to Seoul,” Pope Leo XIV said in a video message, released by the Holy See Press Office, as registration for World Youth Day [WYD] Seoul 2027 opened on October 22, the Committee for Communications of the Archdiocese of Seoul, South Korea, announced in a press release.
“This is not merely an invitation to see a new city. It is a call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope,” Pope Leo said.
The 41st edition of WYD is scheduled to take place in Seoul from 3 to 8 August 2027. Prospective participants can register via register.wyd-reg.org, accessible through the official website www.wydseoul.org. Registration forms are available in six official languages: Korean, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian.
The opening of registration coincided with the liturgical memorial of Pope St. John Paul II, who first met with young people in Rome in 1984 before establishing World Youth Day the following year.
Today, as registration opens for next year’s World Youth Day, I warmly invite each of you to Seoul
Pope Leo XIV
In his message, Pope Leo recalled the words St. John Paul II “continuously proclaimed to all peoples: ‘Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.’” He added: “These words also apply to each one of you.”
The pope encouraged young people to come as they are: “On this pilgrimage, bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles,” he said. “The Lord is waiting for you in this place of encounter and communion.”
He concluded: “I look forward to seeing you in Seoul!”
The pope’s video message is available on the official WYD Seoul 2027 website: https://wydseoul.org/introduction/moment. The official text of the message is available in the Holy See Press Office Bulletin.
The bishops of the Archdiocese of Seoul responded with a video message of their own, featuring Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, president of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organising Committee, registering alongside young people. In their video, the bishops called on pilgrims in Korea and internationally to participate in the event.
On this pilgrimage, bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles. The Lord is waiting for you in this place of encounter and communion
Pope Leo
How to register
Pilgrims are required to register in groups. Bishops’ conferences, dioceses, parishes, religious congregations, and other Catholic associations and communities are each able to register their young people as a group. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to join existing groups, such as those organised by their parish or diocese.
Registration is a two-phase process. In the first phase, the group leader creates an account and submits basic details, including country, leader information, and the estimated number of pilgrims. This step signals the group’s intention to participate, but no payment is needed yet.
I look forward to seeing you in Seoul!
Pope Leo
In the second phase, after account activation, the leader provides the details of each group member, arrival and departure dates, and catechesis preferences. The leader then selects a pilgrim package and completes the payment. Registration is complete once all the information is entered and the payment has been made.
There are 11 pilgrim packages, costing US$70–340. All include Seoul public transport, insurance, and a pilgrim kit. Packages differ by length of stay and options for accommodation and meals. Groups choose the option that fits their needs.
Minors need written parental consent and must be accompanied by an adult. Those needing a visa or with disabilities should provide relevant details during registration.
Registration now opens for pilgrims and volunteers. Bishops can register in early November, while applications for the Youth Festival and Vocations Fair open later that month. Media registration begins May 2027.
See the FAQ at www.wydseoul.org or email inquiries@wydseoul.org for questions.
