The Archdiocese of Seoul inaugurated its “Breathe Life into the Whole World” campaign on Saturday with a symbolic tree-planting event at Haneul Park, marking the first of several ecological initiatives in preparation for World Youth Day 2027.
Around 80 participants—including youth representatives, clergy, and volunteers—gathered on the southern slope of Sangam World Cup Park to plant 300 Cornelian cherry trees (Cornus officinalis), chosen for their early spring blossoms and carbon-absorbing properties.
Organizers described the activity as a “symbolic beginning” to a three-year ecological movement inspired by Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on environmental stewardship. The Pope had written, “An act as simple as planting a tree becomes a sign of hope for our planet and future generations” (Laudato Si’, 211).
The campaign aims to promote sustainability, ecological awareness, and intergenerational solidarity. In collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Archdiocese plans to plant more than 10,000 trees through six events involving approximately 2,000 volunteers. The chosen venue—Haneul Park—is a reclaimed landfill turned ecological reserve, serving as a symbol of renewal and care for creation.
World Youth Day, held every three years at the Pope’s invitation, is both a religious and cultural gathering for young people. Seoul’s selection as host for the 2027 event signals the city’s growing commitment to global conversations around youth engagement, peacebuilding, and climate action.
Two major activities are lined up as part of the WYD preparatory campaign:
On May 10–11, the youth festival “Hee-Hee-Hee,” themed “Light. Joy. Hope.” will be held in celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The event will feature a vocations-themed Mass and activities aligned with the Year of Consecrated Life, inviting young people to reflect on identity, purpose, and calling.
Then on May 24, a “May Crowning & Fellowship Night” will honor WYD volunteers. Bishop Paul Lee, General Coordinator of the Local Organizing Committee, will join the gathering and share an informal evening of chicken and beer with volunteers as a gesture of gratitude.
The tree-planting campaign and upcoming events reflect the Church’s commitment to youth participation and ecological justice, as the global Catholic community prepares for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul.
