Yongsan-gu Steps Up Local Collaboration for Successful 2027 Seoul World Youth Day

Yongsan-gu is actively building a local cooperation system for the successful hosting of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD). This event, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of young people from around the globe, will leverage Yongsan-gu's rich historical and cultural resources to foster an environment for faith and cultural exchange. Yongsan-gu is making thorough preparations to welcome international visitors and showcase the area's unique charm.

2027 World Youth Day: The Pivotal Role of Yongsan-gu

Yongsan-gu is establishing a local cooperation system for the successful hosting of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, which will take place from July 29 to August 10, 2027 (main event: August 3-8). With a high concentration of major Catholic pilgrimage sites such as Namteo Martyrs' Shrine, Yongsan Seminary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Waegogae Martyrs' Shrine, the district is also a key base for Seoul’s Catholic Pilgrimage Routes, recognized by the Holy See as the first international pilgrimage site in Asia.

Kim Kyung-dae, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, emphasized that the World Youth Day will be a meaningful opportunity for young people from various countries to unite through faith and exchange. He affirmed that the district is prepared to play a crucial role in the event.

World Youth Day: A Global Festival of Faith for Youth

Initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1984 and officially established in 1985, World Youth Day is an international festival of faith for Catholic youth worldwide, held every two to three years. The 2027 Seoul event holds historical significance as it will be the second time it's hosted in Asia and the first time in a non-Christian majority country, demonstrating the universality of the Catholic Church and the growth of the Asian Church.

The event includes major programs such as an opening mass, papal welcoming ceremony, Stations of the Cross, overnight vigil, and a closing mass. Before the main event, 'Diocesan Gatherings' will allow participants to share community life with local youth in various Korean dioceses. The 2023 event in Lisbon, Portugal, officially attracted 354,000 participants and 25,000 volunteers, with over 2 million unofficial attendees, giving an idea of its massive scale.

The Allure of Yongsan: Where History and Culture Converge

Beyond its Catholic pilgrimage sites, Yongsan-gu boasts a wealth of historical, cultural, and tourism resources that attract significant interest from international visitors. National Museum of Korea and National Hangeul Museum offer diverse foreign language commentary services in English, Chinese, and Japanese to enhance the convenience of international guests. Ichon Hangang Park provides a nature-friendly space for relaxation, while Haebangchon, affectionately known as 'HBC', is popular among foreign residents and tourists for its international cuisine and unique atmosphere.

The patron saints for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day include Pope Saint John Paul II, who founded the event, and Korean martyrs such as Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, who laid the foundation for the Catholic Church in Korea. This selection further strengthens the connection to the spiritual heritage of Yongsan-gu. Participants are expected to be accommodated primarily in gymnasiums, schools, parishes, or through homestays with local families, fostering close interaction with the community.