Vacation Week

"Take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) Schoenstatt Youth at WYD in Seoul 2027 Travel dates: 24.07. - 09.08.2027* Program Overview This is World Youth Day: Hundreds of thousands of young Christians from all over the world celebrating their faith together, placing Christ at the center, experiencing culture and the universal church, and making many new friendships. Young people from all over the world travel to Korea and are accommodated in host families or community housing. The focus is on togetherness. The young people get to know the culture and faith traditions of Korea together. The experience of a community carried by faith in Jesus Christ is one of the most beautiful fruits of participating in World Youth Days! • Experience Pope Leo XIV up close, celebrate and pray with him • Discover the universal church: Immerse yourself in the great, international community of the Catholic Church • Find friends from all over the world – experience Jesus' love • Catechesis: hear the Word of God and reflect on it with others or alone • Joint social projects, services, prayers, discussions or concerts. We cannot live our faith without community! Our pre-program summarized: Before the Days in the Dioceses and the actual WYD in Seoul, an eventful tour of South Korea is first on the agenda: You will gain insights into everyday life in the countryside, go on spectacular hikes in Seoraksan National Park, snorkel in turquoise waters, explore the historical treasures of Gyeongju by bike, enjoy beach life on the east coast, and experience the futuristic "Space Walk" of Pohang, Buddhist temples and lively street food markets. Day 1: Saturday, 24.07.2027 Departure for South Korea! Flight from Frankfurt towards Seoul in the evening. Day 2: Sunday, 25.07.2027 Arrival in the country! Arrival in the afternoon in Incheon, the main airport of the metropolis of Seoul: Welcome by the local tour guide (bibl. Reisen). Then on to a village in Inje County, where villagers welcome us warmly: Check-in for two nights in the community center of a village (4-person rooms with futons). We learn interesting facts about country life. Dinner in the village guest house. Afterwards, we end the day with freshly roasted potatoes by the campfire. Day 3: Monday, 26.07.2027 Adventure Mt. Seoraksan National Park Excursion to Seoraksan National Park, where impressive nature and cultural experiences await us: Take the cable car up to the site of the historic Gwongeumseong Fortress. We visit the Buddhist Shinheungsa Temple, whose origins date back 1300 years. Hike on the famous Ulsanbawi Trail, past the legendary Heundeulbawi Rock, which can be made to wobble with a bit of skill, up to the striking Ulsanbawi massif – one of Korea's most impressive rock formations. Lunch box along the way. Visit to Sokcho Beach: swimming opportunity in the East Sea. Dinner in the village guest house. Day 4: Tuesday, 27.07.207 Snorkeling Paradise Samcheok Bus trip to the east coast of Korea to Samcheok: The idyllic Janghohang Harbour with its turquoise water, framed by picturesque rocks, is a popular "snorkeling paradise" (snorkeling equipment provided; don't forget swimwear!). After lunch, drive to Gyeongju: Check-in at a youth guest house for two nights; dinner in a restaurant. Day 5: Wednesday, 28.07.2027 Cycling and "Space Walk" Gyeongju: Today we set off on a journey of discovery by bicycle. We visit the Tumuli Park, where we see the famous royal tombs, and gain exciting insights into the history of the Silla Kingdom at the Gyeongju National Museum. After visiting the ruins of the Hwangnyongsaji Temple, we ride through picturesque rice fields near the city, which provide a charming contrast to the historical backdrop. After lunch, bus trip to Pohang. There we visit Hwanho Park and experience the spectacular "Space Walk" installation, Korea's largest walkable experience sculpture, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the coast and the cityscape of Pohang. Return trip to Gyeongju: There we have free time on the charming Hwangridangil Street – ideal for small explorations, souvenir shopping or a relaxed coffee. Dinner on your own. Night visit to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, whose lights give the historical site a magical atmosphere. Day 6: Thursday, 29.07.2027 Culture & Days in the Dioceses Today we visit Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage site), an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture (8th century), as well as the impressive Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju National Park, famous for its artistic Buddhist sculptures and peaceful atmosphere. Then travel by comfortable tour bus to the site of the "Days in the Dioceses" in one of the dioceses of Korea: Check-in for four nights. Day 7: Friday, 30.07.2027 Days in the Dioceses (accommodation and program on site organized by the host diocese) Day 8: Saturday, 31.07.2027 Days in the Dioceses (accommodation and program on site organized by the host diocese) Day 9: Sunday, 01.08.2027 Days in the Dioceses (accommodation and program on site organized by the host diocese) Day 10: Monday, 02.08.2027 Transfer from the site of the "Days in the Dioceses" to the World Youth Day accommodation in Seoul: Check-in for seven or eight nights. Day 11: Tuesday, 03.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Free time for own activities; opening mass; youth festival Day 12: Wednesday, 04.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Catechesis, services, youth festival Day 13: Thursday, 05.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Catechesis, services, youth festival, arrival of Pope Leo XIV. Day 14: Friday, 06.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Catechesis, services, Stations of the Cross, youth festival Day 15: Saturday, 07.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Pilgrimage march to the site of the prayer night (Vigil) with Pope Leo XIV.; possibility to sleep under the open sky. Day 16: Sunday, 08.08.2027 World Youth Day Seoul: Closing mass with Pope Leo XIV.; free time. Day 17: Monday, 09.08.2027 Transfer from the World Youth Day accommodation to Seoul airport: Return flight (possibly connecting flight) to Germany. *Note: Depending on flight capacities, the return flight to Germany may not take place until 10.08.2027. The group would then have an additional night in the World Youth Day accommodation and a free day in Seoul. Preliminary program! Subject to change!