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The World's Largest Library Olympics Opens: 2026 Busan World Library and Information Congress (WLIC)

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will host the 2026 Busan World Library and Information Congress (IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2026 Busan, hereinafter referred to as "WLIC") at BEXCO from August 10 through August 13.

Hosted by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and organized by the 2026 Busan WLIC National Committee, the congress is the world's largest international academic conference in the library and information field, bringing together library and information professionals, researchers, and representatives from related organizations and industries.

Approximately 3,300 participants from more than 120 countries are expected to attend, with more than half traveling from overseas. The congress is expected to demonstrate Busan's growing international standing and urban competitiveness while promoting the city's appeal as a global cultural destination.

Under the theme "Libraries Powering Transformation," this year's congress will feature more than 180 keynote lectures and academic sessions. Additional programs will include satellite meetings, opening and closing ceremonies, an international exhibition, poster sessions, an Expo Pavilion, Cultural Evening, library visits, local tourism programs, wellness activities, and language networking sessions.

Before, during, and after the congress, a variety of international events and exchange programs, including satellite meetings and library visits, will be held across Busan.

A total of 12 satellite meetings will be held before and after the main congress at 10 institutions, including Busan Library, Busan Citizens Library, and Domoheon in Busan, as well as four institutions in Seoul. Topics will include artificial intelligence (AI), cultural heritage preservation, and information literacy.

At Exhibition Hall 1 of BEXCO, an international exhibition featuring 76 booths from 45 organizations and companies worldwide will be held, alongside the Library Boulevard, where more than 30 Korean libraries will showcase innovative library initiatives.

A K-Food and K-Culture Zone will also be operated, featuring the Busan Promotion Pavilion and Korean cultural content to introduce Busan's city brand and outstanding library policies to participants from around the world. An Expo Pavilion showcasing cutting-edge technologies from global companies and institutions will also be available.

At 6:00 p.m. on August 11, the Cultural Evening will take place at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center, introducing the flavors and cultural charm of Korea and Busan. The program will feature dynamic K-Culture performances, including samulnori by the Busan National Gugak Center, janggu dance, jazz performances, performances by Just Jerk, and DJ performances.

On the final day of the congress, August 13, participants will visit 33 public, academic, national, specialized, and school libraries across Busan through 11 tour routes. They will have the opportunity to experience Busan's public library policies and specialized services firsthand while networking with library professionals from around the world.

Public libraries, including the Seaside Library and Busan Library, will also host a variety of cultural experience programs for both residents and congress participants.

From August 11 through August 13, a Seaside Library pop-up will be operated at Millak Waterfront Park, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the seaside while experiencing Busan's reading culture.

During the congress, Busan Library will present a special exhibition on Korea's Confucian Printing Woodblocks and Minhwa folk paintings. On August 8, it will also host the crossover Gugak performance "IEUM," allowing both congress participants and residents to experience the beauty of traditional Korean music.

Public libraries throughout Busan will further contribute to the festival atmosphere by offering WLIC-themed book recommendations, book curation displays, reading quizzes, and a variety of related programs.

Taking this congress as an opportunity, Busan Metropolitan City plans to expand international cooperation with leading libraries around the world and establish a sustainable foundation for continued collaboration after the event.

To strengthen international cooperation in the library sector, Busan Metropolitan City will sign trilateral memoranda of understanding with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the American Library Association (ALA). The agreements are intended to promote the sharing of best practices and expertise in library policy, services, and operations while establishing a sustainable framework for international cooperation. Through these partnerships, the city plans to facilitate exchanges between Busan's libraries and leading libraries worldwide and continuously expand the global cooperation network of local libraries.

Busan Library will also host a book donation ceremony with Shenzhen Library and China's National Central Library (NCL), as well as an MOU signing ceremony with Taiwan's National Library of Public Information (NLPI).

Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, “The 2026 Busan World Library and Information Congress is a meaningful international event where library professionals from around the world come together to share knowledge and experience while exploring the future role and direction of libraries. Through this congress, we will showcase Busan's outstanding library policies and culture to the world, expand sustainable international cooperation with overseas libraries, and make every effort to ensure the successful hosting of the event so that Busan can emerge as a global hub for library collaboration.”