Organizers of World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in South Korea expect about one million people to attend the Closing Mass, as Church and government officials announced major venues and preparations for the international Catholic gathering.
The WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee unveiled the plans during a Nov. 5 press conference at Coste Hall near Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.
The Aug. 3-8 gathering is expected to draw 500,000 registered pilgrims, including 400,000 international participants from about 190 countries and 100,000 South Koreans.
Attendance at the Closing Mass could reach one million, including participants who have not registered for the event, according to the organizing committee.
Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong will host the Opening Mass, papal welcome ceremony and Way of the Cross. Seoul Airport in Seongnam, outside the capital, will host the Vigil and Closing Mass.
Organizers expect 200,000 people at the Opening Mass, 300,000 at the papal welcome ceremony and 500,000 each at the Way of the Cross and Vigil.
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, president of the organizing committee, led the press conference, while Bishop Paul Kyung-Sang Lee, the committee’s general coordinator, presented plans for pilgrim safety, accommodation and transportation.
With major outdoor gatherings scheduled during the Korean summer, organizers are preparing measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and manage large crowds.
The plans include shaded areas, drinking-water stations, rest facilities and pedestrian routes designed to reduce walking distances and waiting times.
The Catholic Medical Center will coordinate emergency medical services, while police, firefighters, health workers and local authorities will operate integrated command centers at major venues.
Organizers also plan to provide wheelchair-accessible routes, designated seating, sensory rest areas and sign-language interpretation for pilgrims with disabilities.
The committee is working with national and local authorities to secure accommodation for about 500,000 pilgrims.
The Archdiocese of Seoul plans to accommodate 270,000 participants through parishes and homestays, while government agencies, educational institutions and dioceses outside Seoul will help arrange facilities for another 230,000.
Transportation plans include temporary traffic restrictions, alternative routes and shuttle buses that will also be available to local residents.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is leading government support, with other ministries assisting in public safety, health and transportation.
Before the main gathering, international pilgrims will participate in Days in the Dioceses from July 29 to Aug. 2 across 15 dioceses in South Korea.
The programs will include cultural exchanges, community activities and events highlighting regional traditions.
The Diocese of Uijeongbu is preparing activities near the Demilitarized Zone, where pilgrims will be invited to reflect on the division of the Korean Peninsula and the importance of peace.
WYD Seoul 2027 will be the 17th international edition of World Youth Day and the first international gathering held in a country without a Christian majority.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit South Korea for the event.
During the press conference, Archbishop Chung described the present period as an “age of disconnection,” saying that competition, technological developments and social pressures have made it increasingly difficult for young people to recognize their inherent dignity.
“Human worth is not something we gain by proving ourselves,” said Archbishop Chung.
He said the gathering should offer young people opportunities to build relationships across cultural and social differences and recognize their worth beyond competition and achievement.
“What we need in an age of disconnection is the courage to encounter one another and the courage to welcome one another,” said Archbishop Chung.
Registration for WYD Seoul 2027 opened Oct. 22. Although the gathering primarily targets young people aged 14 to 30, participation is open to people of all ages.
