ALL THE INFORMATION
for WYD Seoul 2027
Official Prayer for World Youth Day Seoul 2027
Loving Lord of all young people,
we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.
Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever.
May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage,
realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.
Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
by your wonderous hand
you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea.
Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts,
making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth.
Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day
we may listen to each other, discern your will,
and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen.
○ Our Lady of mercy and peace,
◎ pray for us.
○ Holy patrons of World Youth Day Seoul 2027,
◎ pray for all young people.
2027 WYD Seoul: Pilgrim’s Guide to Faith, Culture, and K-Food
Welcome to Seoul! To help you explore the city safely and conveniently during the 2027 World Youth Day, we have prepared a guide to major Catholic shrines, cultural spots, and popular food destinations.
(Note: Transportation fares are based on the 2026 standard adult base fare of approximately $0.97 for subways using a transit card like T-money. Exchange Rate: 1,450won/1dollar)
📱 Essential Tip: Navigation Apps in Korea
Please note that Google Maps has limited walking directions in South Korea due to local security regulations. We highly recommend downloading the following free apps, which offer full English support:
- Naver Map: The most widely used navigation app in Korea. It provides excellent walking, bus, and subway directions in English.
- KakaoMap: Another highly accurate app for real-time transit information and location searches.
- Subway Korea: The best dedicated app for navigating the extensive Seoul subway system with precise transfer guides.
- Major Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimage Sites
① Myeongdong Cathedral
Overview: The spiritual heart of the Korean Catholic Church. It is the perfect starting point to experience the dynamism of the local faith.
- Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 8) or Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 5).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
② Seosomun Shrine History Museum
Overview: The holy ground where the largest number of Catholics were martyred in Korean Church history. The underground museum offers a serene space for meditation and boasts world-class architectural beauty.
- Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Chungjeongno Station (Lines 2 or 5, Exit 4).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
③ Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine
Overview: A site commemorating the Byeongin Persecution (1866). Pilgrims can reflect on the firm faith of their ancestors amidst the peaceful scenery along the Han River.
- Transportation: A 15-minute walk toward the Han River from Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 or 6, Exit 7).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
- Cultural Experiences & Exchange Venues
① HiKR Ground
Overview: A K-Pop-themed cultural space. Youth interested in the Korean Wave can take photos and videos in settings that resemble actual K-Pop music video sets.
- Transportation: A 5-minute walk from Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 5) or Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 2).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
② Bukchon Hanok Village
Overview: A traditional village featuring beautiful Korean houses (Hanok). It was also a major filming location for the hit 2025 series K-Pop Demon Hunters.
- Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 2). (Please keep noise levels down as it is a residential area).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
③ Naksan Park and Seoul City Wall
Overview: A famous spot for enjoying Seoul’s beautiful night view while walking along the ancient fortress wall. It is widely known globally as a stunning night-time filming location for K-Pop Demon Hunters.
- Transportation: A 15 to 20-minute uphill walk from Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 2).
- Fares: Free admission / Subway base fare: $0.97.
④ Gyeongbokgung Palace
Overview: Korea’s most iconic royal palace. Renting and wearing a traditional Hanbok while strolling through the palace is a highly recommended cultural experience.
- Transportation: Directly connected to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5).
- Fares: Adults $2.07 (Free admission for everyone wearing a Hanbok) / Subway base fare: $0.97.
- Popular K-Food Experience Spots
① Gwangjang Market
Overview: A historic traditional market famous for authentic K-Food street culture. Must-try items include Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Mayak Gimbap.
- Transportation: Near Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Line 1, Exit 8).
- Fares: Free admission (Food costs are paid individually) / Subway base fare: $0.97.
② Myeongdong Street Food Alley
Overview: Located right next to Myeongdong Cathedral, this bustling street offers trendy snacks popular on social media, such as Dalgona, Hotteok (sweet pancakes), and Tornado Potatoes.
- Transportation: The main street area around Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 6).
- Fares: Free admission (Food costs are paid individually) / Subway base fare: $0.97.
③ Mangwon Market
Overview: A highly recommended traditional market near the Jeoldusan Shrine. It is famous for Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken). Many visitors buy food here for a “Han River Picnic” nearby.
- Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Mangwon Station (Line 6, Exit 2).
Fares: Free admission (Food costs are paid individually) / Subway base fare: $0.97.
Sources:
- Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul Pilgrimage Route Official English Guide (http://walk.catholic.or.kr/)
- Korea Heritage Service, Gyeongbokgung Palace English Guide (https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/)
- Seoul Tourism Organization, Visit Seoul English Guide (https://english.visitseoul.net/)
- Seoul Metro, 2026 Passenger Transport Terms and Fare Table (http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/en/)
- Naver and Kakao official English service guide (https://mkt.naver.com/navermapapp?lang=en)
- KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION (https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/main/index.do)
Useful English Websites for Tourism Reference
- Visit Korea (Official Korea Tourism Organization): https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/
- Comprehensive guides on travel, accommodations, emergency contacts, and K-culture.
- Visit Seoul (Official Seoul Tourism Guide): https://english.visitseoul.net/
- Up-to-date information on Seoul’s attractions, festivals, tourist information centers, and recommended itineraries.
- Seoul Metro (Official English Website): http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/en/
- Interactive subway maps, route planner, station facilities, and fare calculators.
- Korea Heritage Service (Royal Palaces & Tombs): https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/
- Detailed English information on ticketing, operating hours, and free guided tour schedules for all royal palaces.