XLII World Youth Day
SEOUL 2027
“Take courage! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33)
August 3-8, 2027
Let’s go to Seoul!
The diocese of Tallinn is arranging a pilgrims’ group to take part in the World Youth Day in Seoul, in the summer of 2027. To know, if you’d like to take part in it, check out the preliminary travel information below!
Who can come?
Every young person aged between 18-30 by July 2027 can join the group.
What is the estimated cost?
The estimated cost of the pilgrimage is about 1800 euros. This will include plane tickets, insurance, the days in the diocese, the main week in Seoul, the pilgrim package (food, accommodation, transportation). It can be paid in several parts. The final cost of the pilgrimage, hopefully lower, will be clarified in autumn 2026.
How long is the pilgrimage?
The group from Estonia will be taking part of the main week (3.-8.08.2027) as well as the days in the diocese a week before. It means our pilgrimage will probably last for about two weeks: 26.07-9.08.2027. The dates might change a little bit due to our flights and will be confirmed in autumn 2026.
What to consider?
- The World Youth Day is not a vacation, but a pilgrimage. It means we will definitely see the local culture as well, but we will have a certain schedule, filled with faith-related events and not a lot of free time. As pilgrims we are to have a positive mindset about all hardships since they are an opportunity to grow closer to God and each other. 😊
- Long trip and time difference: the flights are approximately 13 hours long and when we arrive the time difference will be 7 hours.
- Simple and unexpectable living conditions: As many pilgrims as possible will be accommodated with host families. For those that cannot be accommodated in families, accommodation will be provided in schools, sport halls and inside other public buildings. The exact accommodation will be announced shortly before the pilgrimage begins (or only on site). On August 7th, we will all stay overnight at the venue of the Vigil and the closing Mass – in open air! Be sure to bring a sleeping bag and a mat.
- Long days: Our days will usually begin in the early morning and end late in the evening (or at night) and are full of activities.
- Physical exertion: On some days standing for a long period of time or walking long distances is expected. On the day of the Vigil we will walk for around 10km to the venue of the vigil and Mass with the Pope. The following day we will also return from there on foot.
- Lots of people and noise: Hundreds of thousands of people take part in the World Youth Day. This means that the city and public transport in the vicinity will be very crowded and at the same time filled with song, dance and happiness.
- Hot and humid weather: During the months of July and August the average temperature in South Korea is around 28 degrees and can climb to over 30 degrees on some days. Summer is also the time of the monsoon so heavy rainfall can be expected. Most of the activities during the World Youth Day take place in open air without shelter.
- We are outside of the European Union and therefore European health insurance and internet packages do not apply.
- Lots of happiness, excitement, new friendships and experiences for life: The World Youth Day is a wonderful chance to make new friends both within the pilgrimage group as well as with other groups that we will meet in Korea. It is an opportunity to learn about many different institutions and ways of living one’s faith. A lot of people find their calling or are at least pointed in the right direction during the event. It is a chance to learn about the Catholic Church and discover our diversity! Despite the hardships it is the memories of the happiness and beauty that was experienced and with good company these hardships are not too hard to endure! 🙂
How can I register?
Official registration begins in autumn 2026, but you can already voice your wish to take part in the pilgrimage or ask questions regarding the event by writing to katolikunoored@katoliku.ee