SEOUL (SE): The Committee for Communications of the Archdiocese of Seoul, South Korea, announced that preparations for World Youth Day [WYD] Seoul 2027 have entered a new stage, following a joint online ‘Kick-off Meeting for the Implementation Phase’ hosted by the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organising Committee [LOC] and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life [DLFL] on March 5.
According to the committee, the meeting, held at the Dicastery’s conference room and streamed online, brought together approximately 250 youth ministry representatives from bishops’ conferences, ecclesial movements, and communities globally, as well as 25 members of the WYD Seoul 2027 LOC.
Key participants included Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, President of the LOC; Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, General Coordinator; and Father Franco Galdino of the DLFL Youth Office. Despite time zone differences, the event saw robust international engagement, reflecting growing global interest in WYD Seoul 2027.
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, in his opening address, outlined four key words encapsulating the vision for Seoul 2027: encounter, pastoral care, pilgrimage, and mission.
[Bishop Chung] emphasised that WYD Seoul 2027 aims to provide young people with an experience of community, spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to encounter both God and each other
He emphasised that WYD Seoul 2027 aims to provide young people with an experience of community, spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to encounter both God and each other. He described Seoul as a city where tradition meets the future, hospitality flourishes, and the longing for peace is deeply felt.
Bishop Kyung-sang Lee welcomed attendees, expressing gratitude to those committed to youth ministry worldwide and encouraging ongoing support for WYD 2027.
Father Franco Galdino explained that the meeting was designed to inform bishops’ conferences and youth ministry leaders about the progress of WYD Seoul 2027 and to enhance communication with the organising committee. He underscored that World Youth Day is a shared journey in which the Church accompanies young people towards an encounter with Christ.
The programme featured presentations on the Church in Korea, the pilgrimage of the WYD symbols, and the pastoral and spiritual significance of WYD Seoul 2027. Organisers highlighted key themes of the event, such as Korean culture, language, and Seoul’s identity as a technologically advanced city. Information regarding the official website, social media, and LOC international contacts was also provided.
The LOC unveiled nine types of pilgrim participation packages, differentiated by meal and accommodation options. The committee reported that contributions for these packages will rise by 10 percent compared to previous WYD editions, citing global inflation and local costs, while aiming to minimise the burden on pilgrims. Further details will be available soon on the official WYD Seoul 2027 website.
Organisers highlighted key themes of the event, such as Korean culture, language, and Seoul’s identity as a technologically advanced city
The committee also introduced the Second International Preparatory Meeting for WYD Seoul 2027, set for 14–17 September in Korea. This was followed by a question-and-answer session, with participants from countries including Australia, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, the United States, Timor-Leste, Cabo Verde, Nigeria, Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Shalom Community, who discussed local preparations and raised queries about visas, diocesan involvement, registration timelines, and upcoming meetings.
Participants remained highly engaged, responding positively to presentations and especially to a video introducing the Korean Church and WYD Seoul 2027.
The Committee for Communications of the Archdiocese of Seoul noted that strong international participation confirmed broad global interest in WYD Seoul 2027.
The organising committee reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing communication and cooperation with bishops’ conferences, religious congregations, and ecclesial communities around the world as preparations advance.
