Korea’s Only Basilica
Mokpo Sanjeong-dong Church is the first parish of the Archdiocese. The Holy See named it a basilica in 2021, the only basilica in Korea.
Days in the Archdiocese of Gwangju
Begin your WYD journey in Gwangju.
Register for GwangjuPre-registration open
2027
Jul 29 – Aug 2
- Thursday, July 29: Welcoming Day
- Friday, July 30: Cultural Day
- Saturday, July 31: Archdiocesan Day
- Sunday, August 1: Parish Day
- Monday, August 2: Farewell Day
Five days, each with its own theme
On to WYD Seoul
About the gathering
Five days of faith, culture, and connection
From July 29 to August 2 in 2027, the Archdiocese of Gwangju welcomes young pilgrims from around the world for Days in the Diocese, ahead of World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027.
Through prayer, cultural encounters, and time with local parish communities, pilgrims will share their faith, discover the stories of Gwangju and Jeonnam, and build friendships across borders.
100% homestays
Every pilgrim. A welcoming home.
We will provide homestay accommodation for every pilgrim, arranged through their assigned parish. Throughout the five days, pilgrims will stay with families from parishes across the Archdiocese, sharing everyday life, meals and moments of faith together.
Homestay is not simply accommodation. It is part of the pilgrimage itself: an opportunity for pilgrims and local families to meet, listen, share and experience the Church as a living community.
Discover Jeonnam Gwangju
A place to explore. A story to share.
Mission & Martyrs
The Church here grew through local believers and missionaries under persecution. Naju, Yeonggwang and Gokseong keep its martyrs’ memory.
A City Where Memory Becomes Culture
Gwangju carries the legacy of the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980. The former Provincial Office keeps that history beside the Asia Culture Center.
Gardens, Valleys, and Coastal Beauty
Jeonnam reaches from the wetlands and gardens of Suncheon Bay to the valleys of Damyang and the southern coast around Mokpo and Yeosu.
Logistics
Your five days, prepared with care.
Your assigned parish and the Archdiocese will coordinate accommodation, meals, programs, and transport, so you can focus on sharing faith, building friendships, and experiencing the local culture.
Accommodation
Homestay accommodation will be provided for every pilgrim, arranged by their assigned parish. Share everyday life with a local host family and build deeper connections through faith.
Meals
Breakfast will be provided by your host family each morning. All other meals during Days in the Diocese will be provided by your assigned parish or the Archdiocese.
Program
Your assigned parish is preparing a program of cultural experiences, prayer, and Mass. Each day will offer opportunities to deepen your faith, exchange cultures, and connect with the local community.
Transportation
Bus transfers are available from Incheon Airport to your assigned parish and onward to Seoul for the main WYD event. Group bookings can be arranged. Your assigned parish will support local travel during Days in the Diocese.
Registration
From registration to Gwangju.
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Now
01
Group Registration
Provide your organization, country, diocese, total number of pilgrims, and official contact email. Submit a group recommendation letter signed by your bishop or the head of your institution.
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Next
02
Pilgrim Registration
Submit each pilgrim’s details, including full name, baptismal name, age, and allergies. Your group’s registration will be confirmed at this stage.
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After registration
03
Assigned to a Parish
Your group will be matched with a host parish and assigned homestay families. Group and parish representatives will exchange contact details.
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Jul 29 – Aug 2, 2027
04
Welcome to Gwangju
Join us from 29 July to 2 August 2027 for five days of faith, cultural exchange, and community.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
RegistrationCan I register individually?
Registration is for groups of at least 10 participants, normally led by a priest or religious brother or sister. Individual registration is not available.
LanguageWhat language will be used for official communication?
English will be the official language for all email communication. Group leaders should use English when contacting the organizing team.
RegistrationWhat recommendation letter does our group need?
Submit a letter endorsing your group, signed and officially sealed by your diocesan bishop or, for religious orders, your Major Superior or Provincial. A parish priest’s letter alone is insufficient.
FeesHow much is the participation fee, and what does it cover?
The planned fee is USD 100 per pilgrim, covering homestay accommodation, all meals, and local transport during Days in the Diocese. Airport and onward transfers are charged separately.
RegistrationWhat if our pilgrim list changes after registration?
After Pilgrim Registration, you can log in to your account and submit a request to change or cancel a participant. Changes will only be accepted until the designated deadline. After that date, cancellations will still be possible, but participant changes will not.
Your stayWill our group stay together in one parish?
We will try to keep each group together whenever possible. However, larger groups may be assigned to more than one parish depending on parish and homestay capacity. The organizing committee will coordinate the assignments and provide details in advance.
TravelWhen should our group arrive in Gwangju?
All groups must arrive at their assigned parish by 29 July 2027. Accommodation and other support are provided only during the official Days in the Archdiocese period, 29 July to 2 August 2027. Any stay before 29 July or after 2 August must be arranged independently by each group.
VolunteersWhat is MAJI?
MAJI is our name for the volunteers and host families who welcome pilgrims. Short for “Majungjigi” (마중지기), it expresses the spirit of welcoming and accompanying others.
John 16:33
Take courage, I have overcome the world.
Theme of World Youth Day Seoul 2027