WYD 2027

Young people from across the Diocese of Wollongong are invited to join our diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. World Youth Day is a global gathering of young Catholics from around the world, offering pilgrims a unique opportunity to encounter Christ, deepen their faith, experience the universal Church, and journey together with the Holy Father.

In 2027, WYD will be held in Seoul from Tuesday 3 August to Sunday 8 August, with the official theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

For our diocesan pilgrimage, we will journey under the theme:

Pilgrimage of Peace

This pilgrimage will include time visiting significant Catholic sites in South Korea, World Youth Day week in Seoul, and a post-WYD retreat before returning home.

Apply for WYD 2027

Pilgrimage leaders

Fr James Arblaster

Assistant Priest, St Michael’s Nowra

Fr James will accompany pilgrims as one of the spiritual leaders of the diocesan pilgrimage, helping guide the group through prayer, formation, the sacraments and the experience of World Youth Day.

Fr James is a priest of the Diocese of Wollongong and currently serves as Assistant Priest at St Michael’s Parish, Nowra. He brings a love for the Church, a heart for young people, and a steady pastoral presence to the pilgrimage.

Arnie Hurdoyal

Diocesan Youth & Young Adult Coordinator

Arnie will help coordinate and lead the pilgrimage, supporting pilgrims throughout the journey and helping young people from across the Diocese enter fully into the WYD experience.

Where are we heading?

The diocesan pilgrimage will include a South Korea tour, World Youth Day week in Seoul, and a post-WYD retreat.

Arrival

Friday 30 July 2027

Pilgrims will arrive in South Korea before beginning a three-day tour of significant Catholic and cultural sites.

South Korea Tour

Suwon

Mirinae Shrine
The burial place of St Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest and one of the Korean Martyrs.

Namyang Virgin Mary Shrine
A place of prayer and devotion honouring Our Lady, connected to Korea’s Catholic story of faith, suffering and hope.

Jeonju

Shinri Martyrs’ Shrine
A significant site connected to the witness of the Korean martyrs.

Haemi Martyrs’ Shrine
A place of remembrance for Catholics who gave their lives for the faith during times of persecution.

Seoul

Pilgrims will then continue to Seoul for World Youth Day week.

World Youth Day Week

3–8 August 2027

Post-WYD Retreat

Following World Youth Day week, pilgrims will take part in a two-day post-WYD retreat.

This will be a chance to rest, pray, reflect and begin discerning how God may be calling each pilgrim to bring the graces of WYD back into their own life, parish and community.

Departure

Wednesday 11 August 2027

Estimated cost

The estimated cost for the diocesan pilgrimage is:

$5,560

This includes the South Korea Tour, World Youth Day week and Post-WYD Retreat.

What does the cost include?

The pilgrimage cost includes:

• International airfare to and from Seoul
• Airport transfers to and from Seoul Incheon Airport
• Fully escorted touring throughout the days of travel prior to WYD week
• Multi-share accommodation in 3-star hotels
• Meals as specified: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• WYD registration, including meal tickets and transport vouchers

A single supplement cost will be provided separately.

What is not included?

The pilgrimage cost does not include:

• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs, if applicable
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Drinks with meals
• Items of a personal nature

Key dates

Apply now

Applications are now open for the Diocese of Wollongong’s World Youth Day 2027 pilgrimage to Seoul.

Young people are invited to prayerfully consider joining this journey of faith, peace, courage and encounter.

Apply for WYD 2027