Any Catholic family may apply through their parish. Each household should be able to welcome at least two pilgrims and provide enough space for them to lay out sleeping bags (2m × 1.5m per person). If you have any concerns (e.g., pet allergies) or preferences (number of guests, gender), please note them on the application form and we will do our best to reflect them when assigning pilgrims. For pilgrims with disabilities, we first confirm whether the host can accommodate them, and then provide additional diocesan support depending on the type of disability (physical, visual, hearing, cognitive, etc.).

Yes. Once pilgrims are assigned, you will receive their basic information in advance (nationality, gender, age, dietary restrictions, disabilities, etc.). It would be lovely to prepare a greeting in their native language, a welcome card, or to learn a little about their country's culture beforehand.

The diocesan or parish 'airport welcome volunteer team' will assist with picking up and sending off pilgrims, so you only need to meet them at the place and time the diocese announces. After a long journey, they will likely want to unpack and rest. Rather than an elaborate welcome, help them settle in comfortably: briefly show them the bathroom, share emergency contacts, offer extra bedding (pilgrims bring their own sleeping bags), and have some snacks ready.

Immigration issues are handled first by the pilgrim and their national group leader. If their luggage is lost, providing immediate necessities (underwear, toiletries, etc.) will be a great help. For reference, each diocesan WYD organizing committee (DID) and the Seoul WYD organizing committee (main event) will operate homestay teams to support homestays and respond to any issues. Be sure to save the emergency contact numbers provided during homestay training.

Basic meal guidelines will be provided during homestay training. Since pilgrims eat breakfast before heading out for the day's schedule, host families should provide breakfast. Occasionally, circumstances may require you to prepare dinner as well.

Some pilgrims may avoid pork or alcohol for cultural reasons, be vegetarian, or have allergies. Before serving food, it helps to check each person's needs using photos or a translation app. It may seem like a lot to keep in mind, but a simple, heartfelt meal is remembered far longer than a perfectly customized menu.

Some pilgrims may find Korean bathroom customs unfamiliar. It helps to post simple picture guides — where to dispose of used toilet paper, how to use the bidet, and so on. Setting shower times and order in advance can also prevent confusion.

Pilgrims are primarily responsible for their own belongings. Most purchase travel insurance before departure, so losses are usually handled through insurance. If a pilgrim reports a lost item, contact your parish WYD coordinator or the diocesan homestay team immediately. Matters that could lead to legal disputes will be mediated by the diocesan operations headquarters.

In preparation for emergencies, check the pilgrim's medications, travel insurance certificate, and emergency contacts in advance. For general care, accompany them to a nearby hospital or emergency room; in an emergency, call 119 immediately and then notify the diocese. Medical costs are usually covered by the pilgrim's insurance. If interpretation is needed, you can call the local government call center (120) or the immigration contact center (1345).

Depending on the program, pilgrims may return late. Clearly communicate your household routine and ask them to contact you in advance if they will be late. If you are concerned about a conflict, contact the diocese for help.

WYD participation starts at age 15, so minors are included; for safety, adult pilgrims are assigned together with them. Host families welcoming minors are asked to look after them with extra care, and the diocese will provide separate additional guidance for this.

The legal age of adulthood differs by country, but the key principle is that Korean law applies in Korea. In Korea, adulthood begins at age 19, so as of 2027 this applies to those born in 2008 or earlier; for anyone younger, both drinking and smoking are illegal in Korea regardless of their home country's laws. Please inform your pilgrims of this — it is not a restriction but a way of protecting them.

From past WYDs there are many heartwarming stories of deep friendships formed despite no shared language. On top of that, using a phone translation app or the picture conversation cards created for this event — an 'augmentative and alternative communication tool' — will make the language barrier much easier to cross. Even without perfect words, a bright smile is understood anywhere.

A few basic principles go a long way. Avoid going deep into potentially divisive topics such as religion, politics, or history. Physical contact like shoulder hugs or embraces can be perceived differently across cultures, so hold back until the other person initiates. And never forget to ask for consent before taking photos or videos!

They say the most traditional things are the most Korean. How about wearing hanbok together or sharing traditional tea? If there is free time, visit a nearby market, a good restaurant, a convenience store, a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), or local attractions — or a holy site in your diocese to share Korea's unique culture and heritage of faith. Writing the pilgrim's name in Hangul as a gift also makes a beautiful keepsake they will treasure for life.