East Texas Catholics preparing for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea (KLTV) - A group of more than 80 Catholic young adults from East Texas are preparing to make a pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea for the Church’s World Youth Day next August.

Started by Pope John Paul II in 1987, the international pilgrimage takes place every 2 to 4 years.

WYD Seoul will be the first to take place on mainland East Asia and the first in a predominantly non-Christian country. The last World Youth Day was held in 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Diocese of Tyler, which is home to 88-thousand registered Catholics in more than 30 counties, is organizing a group who are planning to travel to Seoul next year.

The 21-to-35-year-olds have been meeting monthly in Tyler to prepare for the trip through prayer, planning fundraisers, and learning about the history and culture of Korea.

Lupita Nunez, a 24-year-old from Sulphur Springs, says Korea has always been on her ‘bucket list.’ For her, participating in World Youth Day is about new experiences.

“I hope to find myself in a way I didn’t know I knew myself and meeting new people and spreading the love.”

For 26-year-old Alex Hernandez, of Paris, this will be her first time traveling overseas without her family. She says she’s looking to meet other Catholics from around the world.

“You’re having people from all different ages, but you’re all coming for one reason. And that’s to grow and to continue living our faith.”

Activities planned over August 3-7, 2027 include a Welcome Mass, Catechesis, a youth festival, a vocations fair, a park where priests will hear confessions, meditation on the Way of the Cross, a welcome event with Pope Leo XIV, and Eucharistic adoration before a closing Mass.

Organizers are anticipating as many as 500,000 attendees from around the world.

Now, less than a year from the start of the event, the Myeondong Catholic Cathedral in Seoul is already preparing for the event. Signage in the neighborhood surrounding the church features the WYD logo and large electronic video boards display pictures of Pope Leo and various saints.

Those attending the English-language Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral offered prayers specifically for World Youth Day.

To learn more about the Diocese of Tyler group traveling to Korea, click here.

KLTV & KTRE anchor Lane Luckie is traveling to South Korea to explore the ties between East Texas and one of America’s closest allies. Click here for more coverage.