INDICATIVE COST: $6000 (subject to change)
This cost includes international flights, accommodation, most meals, and travel insurance.

ACCOMODATION
The pilgrimage will include a combination of:
• Hotels
• Hostels and Retreat Centres
• Homestays (during Days in the Diocese)
• Some simple shared accommodation (e.g. parish or school floors)
Pilgrimage organisers will prioritise hotel or similar accommodation where possible. However, at times it may be necessary to make use of simple accommodation (school and parish floors).

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
This pilgrimage has a particular focus on the spiritual life. We will celebrate Mass daily, alongside opportunities for personal prayer, reflection, and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Several priest chaplains will accompany us throughout the journey.

ITINERARY
The itinerary provided is indicative and may be adjusted due to practical considerations such as logistics, local conditions, or scheduling changes.

APPLICATIONS
Places on this pilgrimage are limited, and you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the pilgrimage. A $250 deposit is required at the time of application.

MEALS
Most meals will be provided as part of the pilgrimage.
Meals Provided Code - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

Begin your journey in South Korea by exploring the roots of the Korean Catholic Church. Travel through historic cities, visit sacred sites and step into the powerful story of Korea's missionaries and martyrs.

DAY 1: SATURDAY 24 JULY – AUCKLAND TO SUWON (SOUTH KOREA)
Depart Auckland International Airport. Arrive at Incheon International Airport. Transfer by coach to the city of Suwon.
Overnight in Suwon

DAY 2: SUNDAY 25 JULY – SUWON
This morning, we will travel Cheonjinam Holy Ground, the birthplace of Catholicism in South Korea. We then return to Suwon, where we will visit the Suwon Hwaseong Martyrs Shrine, commemorating the many unnamed Korean Catholic martyrs. In the evening, pilgrims will have free time to explore the area surrounding Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its blend of historic walls, traditional neighbourhoods, and contemporary cafés, shops, and bakeries.
Overnight in Suwon (B/L/D)

DAY 3: MONDAY 26 JULY – SUWON TO JECHEON
This morning we travel to Mirinae Holy Ground, the burial site of St Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea’s first priest and martyr. We will celebrate Mass at the beautiful Mirinae Shrine. We then continue toward Eumseong, stopping en route at Gamgok Catholic Church, known for its Marian statue that remained standing after being struck by bullets during the Korean War. In the afternoon, we visit Eumseong Kkottongnae, a Catholic religious community dedicated to serving people with disabilities and those in need. We conclude the day at Cheongpung Resort, set beside the peaceful Chungju Lake.
Overnight in Jecheon (B/D)

DAY 4: TUESDAY 27 JULY – JECHEON TO HAEMI
We start the day by travelling to Baeron Holy Ground, a significant early Catholic site where Korea’s first seminary was established and many martyrs are buried. We then continue to Haemi International Martyrs’ Shrine, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Korea, commemorating thousands of Catholics who were imprisoned and executed during the persecutions. We also visit Haemi Fortress, where many of these martyrdoms took place.
Overnight in SeoSan (B/L/D)

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY 28 JULY – HAEMI TO BUSAN
Today we visit Galmaemot Martyrs Shrine, where French missionaries and Korean Catholics were martyred during the 1866 persecution. We will reflect on the shared French missionary heritage of the Church in Korea and in New Zealand, celebrating Mass at this sacred site. We then travel to Busan. Upon arrival, pilgrims will have free time to rest and explore this vibrant coastal city.
Overnight in Busan (B/D)

Experience Korean culture, hospitality, and daily life through homestays with local Catholic families in Busan

DAY 6-9: THURSDAY 29 JULY – MONDAY 2 AUGUST - BUSAN
Pilgrims will participate in Days in the Diocese in Busan, a beautiful coastal city. Pilgrims will be hosted by local Catholic families, participating in a range of activities over the 5 days. The program includes visits to local pilgrimage sites, participation in diocesan events, and opportunities to enjoy Korean cuisine and culture.
Homestays in Busan (B/L/D)

DAY 9: MONDAY 2 AUGUST – BUSAN TO SEOUL
After farewelling our host families, we will travel to Seoul. In the afternoon, we visit Myeongdong Cathedral, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Pilgrims will then have free time to explore the vibrant Myeongdong district, known for its shops, cafés, and street food.
Hotel/Hostel in Seoul (B)

Join hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world for a youthful celebration of our Catholic faith, right in the heart of Seoul.

DAY 10-12: TUESDAY 3 AUGUST – THURSDAY 5 AUGUST – SEOUL
WYD Week begins on Tuesday with the Opening Mass, gathering 100,000s of pilgrims from around the world. Each morning, we will gather for catechesis and Mass. Throughout the day, Seoul comes alive with a wide range of WYD events, including talks, performances, music, and opportunities for prayer across the city. On Thursday afternoon we will welcome Pope Leo XIV with a huge celebration.
Hotel/Hostel in Seoul (B/L/D)

DAY 13: FRIDAY 6 AUGUST – SEOUL
On Friday, we will enter into the Passion of Christ by praying the Way of the Cross with the Holy Father.
Hotel/Hostel in Seoul (B/L/D)

DAY 14: SATURDAY 7 AUGUST – SEOUL
On Saturday we will make our way to the site of the WYD27 Vigil. After we arrive, the afternoon will be filled with music, performances, and prayer, in anticipation of the arrival of the Holy Father. In the evening, the main event begins! Over a million young people pray together with the Pope, in a time of Eucharistic adoration. Celebrations continue into the night as we sleep out under the stars.
Sleeping under the stars at the WYD27 Vigil (B/L/D)

DAY 15: SUNDAY 8 AUGUST – SEOUL
As the sun rises, we awake to share morning prayer and breakfast. We will then experience the source and summit of WYD27, celebrating the Closing Mass with Pope Leo XVI.
(B)

After the intensity of WYD, step into a quieter space for rest and reflection. Surrounded by the beauty of Jeonju and its mountains, this retreat offers time to pray, reflect, and make give thanks for the incredible experience of the past few days. 

DAY 15: SUNDAY 8 AUGUST – SEOUL TO JEONJU
Following the Closing Mass, we travel to Jeonju for our post WYD retreat. We stay at Shalom House, a beautiful retreat centre set within the grounds of Chimyeongjasan Holy Ground, and surrounded by mountains.
Overnight in Jeonju (B/D)

DAY 16-17: MONDAY 9 AUGUST – TUESDAY 10 AUGUST – JEONJU
These days are set aside for rest and reflection after the experience of World Youth Day. Each day will include Mass, guided recollections, and time for personal prayer at Chimyeongjasan Holy Ground. There will also be opportunities to explore Jeonju, a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage and traditional culture. Highlights include a visit to Jeonju Hanok Village, known for its preserved traditional Korean houses and vibrant atmosphere.
Overnight in Jeonju (B/L/D)

DAY 18: WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST – JEONJU TO INCHEON
After a final morning in Jeonju, we return to Incheon International Airport for our return flight to Auckland.
(B)

DAY 19: THURSDAY 12 AUGUST – INCHEON TO AUCKLAND
Arrive at Auckland International Airport.

INDICATIVE COST: $4500 (subject to change)
This cost includes international flights, accommodation, most meals, and travel insurance.

SHORTENED PILGRIMAGE OPTION
For those who are unable to join us for the full 19-day pilgrimage, a Shorter 13-day Pilgrimage option is also available.

This shortened pilgrimage does not include:
• The first 5 Initial Pilgrimage days
• The post-WYD27 Retreat

The shortened pilgrimage will still participate fully in:
• Days in the Diocese (Busan)
• WYD27 Week in Seoul