South Korea unveils World Youth Day 2027 venues, expects 1 million at closing Mass

South Korean Catholic organizers have announced the principal venues for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. Seoul World Cup Stadium will host the opening Mass, papal welcome ceremony, and Way of the Cross, while Seoul Airport in Seongnam, just outside the capital, will host the vigil and closing Mass.

Organizers expect about 500,000 registered pilgrims, including 400,000 international participants from approximately 190 countries, with up to 1 million people attending the closing Mass. The main events will take place Aug. 3–8, 2027. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul said the gathering would encourage young people to rediscover their dignity and encounter others across their differences.

On Oct. 31, the government of South Korea, the parliament, and the Catholic Church signed a joint declaration at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul, pledging nationwide support for World Youth Day 2027, “including measures on security, immigration, transportation, legislation, and funding,” according to LiCAS News .

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