The local organizing committee for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, is intensifying its preparations as the event draws near. From August 3 to 8, 2027, the event will be graced by the presence of Pope Leo XIV and will host hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world. This marks the second time the event will be held in Asia, following Manila in 1995, and it is the first time a country where Christianity is a minority religion will host the gathering.

In the lead-up to the main event in Seoul, international youth will participate in 'Days in the Dioceses' from July 29 to August 2, 2027, across 15 dioceses throughout South Korea. Approximately 230 parishes in the Archdiocese of Seoul are currently selecting families to host pilgrims, allowing them to experience local family life, community, and culture. Public facilities may also be utilized for additional accommodations.

The preparations are transitioning from the initial planning phase to full implementation, focusing on services for pilgrims, accommodations, transportation, security, healthcare, and communication. Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, who is chairing the local organizing committee, stated that the past three years have primarily been dedicated to laying the groundwork, while the final year will concentrate on refining the hospitality and service aspects for the pilgrims. He emphasized, 'We will do everything possible to make World Youth Day 2027 a festival of hope and a testament to the hospitality and solidarity of South Korea and Seoul.'

The organizing committee plans to mobilize 30,000 volunteers, with 10,000 serving at central activities, handling translation, medical assistance, security, and supporting pilgrims. The remaining 20,000 volunteers will operate within parishes.

Security and medical preparations are underway, with the establishment of a Crisis Response Center, a multilingual hotline, and a healthcare system coordinated by the Catholic Medical Center, connecting first aid stations, onsite clinics, hospitals, and intensive care facilities.

Registration for international pilgrims will open in October, offering 11 package options that include accommodations, meals, transportation, insurance, and official pilgrimage kits, with costs ranging from approximately $80 to $310. About 250 youth ministry representatives from around the globe will convene in South Korea from September 14 to 17.

The countdown to the event will be marked by the announcement of the official song, 'Confidite, Ego vici mundum' – 'Be courageous! I have overcome the world.' This song was composed by South Korean Catholic musician Francis Jiyoon Kim and was selected from 434 submissions.

The organizing committee has also launched a tree-planting campaign titled 'Breath of Life,' inviting young people to participate in environmental protection and mitigate the ecological impact of the event.