World Youth Day
August 2027.
What is it?
A Global Pilgrimage of Faith
Founded by St. John Paul II, World Youth Day is the largest gathering of young Catholics globally. Held every three years, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims assemble alongsidePope Leo XIVto experience live worship, vibrant cultural exchanges, and spiritual renewal.
Eligibility
Who Can Join?
Open to young adults aged 18 – 35 across Australia and New Zealand!
Whether you are studying, working, or discerning your vocation, SMYM welcomes you to take courage and embark on this life-changing journey.
Why?
Why should I go?
Pilgrimage not a holiday!
World Youth Day in Seoul is far more than a trip. It's a pilgrimage that asks a lot of us, physically and spiritually. That's why the Eparchy will walk with you through a six-month journey of prayer and preparation, so you arrive ready to meet Christ more deeply and to grow alongside your fellow pilgrims.
You won't be preparing on your own. We'll ask you to stay connected with your home parish and to join amonthly gathering, in person or online. Each gathering will bring together prayer, formation, time to get to know one another, and practical tips for the journey ahead.
Our hope is that when we board the plane for Seoul, we'll be more than a group sharing a flight. We'll be an Eparchial family that has prayed, prepared and journeyed together toward Christ.
Pack your bags, gather your parish friends, and journey with us!
Flight Dispatch
choose your adventure!PilgrimagePackage Options
Official boarding passes pinned onto our master itinerary board. All routes depart from Australia & New Zealand!
Holy Sites & Martyrs Route
WYD + Korea Pilgrimage
6 days spiritual pilgrimage in South Korea, 5 days Days in Diocese, 6 days WYD Seoul, and 1-day retreat.
Full Cultural Immersion
Days in Diocese + WYD + Post-WYD Retreat
5 days with local host families in a Korean diocese, 6 days WYD Seoul, and 1-day retreat. We will depart from Seoul on 12th and arrive back in AU/NZ on 13th
Express Route
WYD + Post-WYD Retreat
2-day Seoul buffer, 6-day official WYD Seoul program, and 1-day post-WYD reflection retreat. We will depart from Seoul on 12th and arrive back in AU/NZ on 13th
Extended Group Travel
DID + WYD + Post-WYD Retreat + 7-Day Extension
Full 14-day WYD & DID program, 1-day retreat. followed by a 7-day self-planned group travel itinerary. We will depart from Seoul on 17th and arrive back in AU/NZ on 18th
Multi-Country Pilgrimage
WYD + Japan Pilgrimage
6 days spiritual pilgrimage in Japan, 5 days Days in Diocese, 6 days WYD Seoul, and 1-day retreat.
Checklist Notebook
Inclusions &Exclusions
Pinned packing terms and package coverage for all SMYM Oceania pilgrims.
Included in Pilgrimage Packages
everything handled!Round Trip Flights
Full round-trip airfare covering international travel to and from South Korea.
✓ Fully CoveredAirport Transfers
Dedicated group coaches between Incheon Airport, Seoul, and diocese sites.
✓ Fully CoveredAccommodation
Arranged multi-share pilgrim lodging for all scheduled itinerary nights.
✓ Fully CoveredWYD Registration
Official WYD passes, pilgrim badge kit, transit passes, and event meal vouchers.
✓ Fully CoveredPost-WYD Retreat
Dedicated spiritual reflection day and Holy Qurbana following central WYD.
✓ Fully CoveredGuided Excursions
All planned pilgrimage visits, holy shrines, and cultural site tours.
✓ Fully CoveredPilgrim Responsibilities (Exclusions)
to prepare yourself!Travel Insurance
Compulsory comprehensive personal medical & travel insurance cover.
✕ Compulsory & SeparatePassport & Visa Fees
Passport issuance, renewals, and individual Korean / transit visa fees.
✕ Pilgrim ResponsibilityPersonal Meals & Snacks
Personal dining, street foods, and drinks outside designated group meals.
✕ Individual ExpensePassport Roadmap
Key Dates &Milestones
Lock in Early Bird rates with your deposit before 26 October 2026.
Expression of Interest Registrations
Official expression of interest forms published across Australia & New Zealand Syro-Malabar parishes.
Syro's @ WYD Online Info Session
Virtual community briefing for youth, young adults, coordinators, and parents.
Early bird registrations open!
Guarantees affordable package pricing.Deposit is fully refundable until 29th October 2026.
Initial 20% Deposit Due & Close of Registrations
Last day to get the early bird prices (for full fare) or pay your deposit to secure a spot!
Progressive Instalment Payments (20% Each)
Structured progressive payments building smoothly up to 80% total cumulative balance.
Eparchy WYD Preparation Journey
A six-month journey of prayer and preparation led by the Eparchy. Join a monthly gathering, in person or online, for prayer, formation, fellowship and practical tips!
Final 100% Balance Settlement
Final balance clearance for flight tickets, Korean accommodation, and event badges.
Syros attend WYD 2027
Join young Catholics from around the world in Seoul for a week of prayer, catechesis, fellowship and celebration with the Holy Father, as the Eparchy youth come together as one family.
Good to Know
Frequently askedquestions
Still have a question about the pilgrimage? We’re happy to help.
Who is organising this pilgrimage?
This pilgrimage is organised by the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Melbourne Youth Apostolate. A dedicated project team and chaplains have been working hard over several months to carefully plan and prepare this pilgrimage.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory for protection from travel cancellations, illnesses, medical emergencies, lost baggage and travel disruptions.
Do I need a valid passport?
Yes, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the date of travel — expiring after Feb 2028.
Can we explore South Korea during the Days in the Diocese program?
No, we will be engaging in the activities at the Diocese of Suwon and exploring sites around Suwon.
Can we change the package if we want to add the pilgrimage later, after paying for just WYD and DiD?
Yes, there will be a date until which you can make a change of mind — we will look at it on a case-by-case basis until then, but after that there will be no refund of the minimum amount.
Is the early bird discount only if you pay all upfront?
Yes, the early bird is for the full fare! If you can, lock it now!
If we book by ourselves, will we be allowed to join?
Yes, at the general events like World Youth Day events. However, you will not be able to attend Syrofest, the retreat or any other private gatherings just for pilgrims. This is to ensure the safety of our pilgrims and to meet our safeguarding terms and conditions.
What are the inclusions for the package price?
- Round trip flight tickets
- Airport transfers to and from Incheon Int’l Airport
- Breakfast
- WYD registration, including meal tickets and transport vouchers
- Post-WYD Retreat
- All tours included in the pilgrimage itinerary
What is excluded?
These details are estimates only, further information will be provided once details are confirmed:
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Passport and visa costs, if applicable
- Meals not outlined in the itinerary
- Drinks with meals
- Personal items required for travel, including laundry, etc.
Can I room with a friend?
We will take any requests into consideration at a later stage, but it will be on a best-effort basis.
What if I’m outside of the age range of 18–30+ years old?
Participation in this pilgrimage is limited to young adults aged 18–30+ on 1 April 2027. This is primarily due to additional safeguarding, legal, and supervision requirements that apply to under-18s on international trips of this nature.
We organise a great pilgrimage to each international World Youth Day, so if you aren’t old enough to participate this time, we’d love you to consider being part of a future WYD pilgrimage.
What will accommodation be like?
Accommodation will be a combination of:
- Hotels
- Hostels and Retreat Centres
- Homestays (during Days in the Diocese)
- Some simple shared accommodation (e.g. parish or retreat rooms)
We’ve made a deliberate effort to balance comfort and an authentic pilgrimage experience. Information about accommodation will be shared closer to the date of departure for registered pilgrims.
What if I’m planning to organise my own pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027?
If you are within the eligible age range, we strongly encourage you to join the eparchy pilgrimage. It’s going to be an incredible shared experience for young adults in our Eparchy. There will be additional costs which you will have to consider if you arrange your own travel and we urge you to reconsider! Part of attending World Youth Day is the shared experience with your community, and we would love for you to attend through our program!
Is there any financial assistance or fundraising support?
We encourage you to fundraise personally, or at a parish level with the permission of your parish vicar.
Is there a waitlist if the pilgrimage reaches maximum capacity?
Places are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. If we reach capacity, we will maintain a waitlist.
Do I need to be a member of the Eparchy, or can I join from another parish or rite?
Yes, pilgrims from other parishes and rites are welcome to join, provided they are Catholic or have a priest or chaplain who can confirm this.
Do I need to complete the preparation sessions to be confirmed?
Yes, attending the preparation sessions is mandatory for all pilgrims.
Is this a group flight? Can I fly in or out separately, or extend my stay?
For pilgrims travelling with us, there is a pre-planned itinerary with fixed dates. It is not possible to fly in on your own or extend your stay if you are on Package 1 or 2. For Package 3, please contact us and we will assess on a case to case basis