Dates
Overview
Lead your youth group on a meaningful journey of faith, exploration, and connection. We’ll guide your group through the vibrant streets of Seoul as the city transforms for the multiday Youth Festival. You’ll join other young pilgrims from around the world for morning catechesis, participate in the welcoming ceremony for Pope Leo XIV, and join the vigil walk on the final night of the festival. You’ll also get a chance to explore the iconic sights of Seoul, including Gyeongbok Palace and the Namdaemun market.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to South Korea (Seoul)
Tours must depart North America on August 1, 2027, in time for World Youth Day 2027, taking place August 3-8, 2027.
Day 2
Arrive in Seoul
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Seoul guided sightseeing tour
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Seoul and explore some of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Explore Gyeongbokgung to learn about Korea’s royal history, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea for insight into traditional life and customs, browse artisan shops and street vendors along Insadong, and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Namdaemun Market.
Pilgrim registration
World Youth Day Opening Mass
Celebrate the official opening of World Youth Day with the local archbishop as pilgrims from around the world gather to pray, sing, and begin the week together.
Youth Festival events begin
Experience a city-wide program of concerts, testimonies, cultural events, prayer experiences, exhibitions, and performances held throughout the host city during the week.
Day 4
Morning catechesis with bishops
Join morning teaching sessions led by bishops from around the world, where pilgrims hear reflections on faith, ask questions, and participate in prayer and music throughout the week.
Youth Festival events continue
Reconciliation and Vocations Fair
Pilgrims can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and explore vocations within the Church through interactive exhibits and conversations with religious communities.
Day 5
Morning catechesis
Papal Welcoming Ceremony
Gather for the first encounter with the Pope during World Youth Day as pilgrims welcome him with music, prayer, and messages of hope.
Opportunities for Confession and Adoration
Day 6
Morning catechesis
Youth Festival events continue
Way of the Cross Service with the Holy Father
Day 7
Pilgrimage walk
Take part in a long, reflective walk to the vigil site, symbolizing the journey of faith, as pilgrims spend the afternoon walking, singing, and praying together.
Evening prayer vigil with the Pope
Experience a powerful night of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, music, and testimonies as pilgrims gather at the vigil site and rest outdoors in anticipation of the Closing Mass.
Day 8
Closing Mass with the Holy Father
Announcement of the next World Youth Day
The culmination of WYD, celebrated by the Pope. This Mass gathers millions of pilgrims and includes the announcement of the next World Youth Day host city.
Farewell and departure from the vigil site
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 1 Day in Seoul
Spend an extra day discovering Seoul, with free time to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, markets, and culture at your own pace, plus an included hands-on Korean cooking class.
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Scenes from Seoul
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
24-Hour Tour Director
This 24-hour Tour Director be with your students at all times, leading them through the incredible destinations included in your program.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.