World Library and Information Congress to Be Held in August 2026 in Busan: Busan Ascends as a Global Epicenter for Libraries
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World Library and Information Congress to Be Held in August 2026 in Busan: Busan Ascends as a Global Epicenter for Libraries
□ Connecting Libraries, Cities, and People!
□ Busan Metropolitan City was awarded the 2026 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), the largest of its kind in the world, presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
○ The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions serves as the global voice for 1,700 libraries across 150 countries. The annual World Library and Information Congress seeks to broaden capacity of libraries worldwide.
○ Out of 13 bidding candidates, Busan emerged as the final choice to welcome the WLIC 2026.
<About the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions>
○ Established: 1927
○ Coverage: Libraries in 150 countries * Website: www.ifla.org
○ Mission: Promote library interests and advance library and information services
○ Structure: General Assembly, Governing Board, Advisory Committee, Executive Committee, Professional Council, Regional Council
○ Membership: Associations and institutions with voting rights; individual memberships accepted as well
※ Venues for the Last Three Congresses: Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2023; Brisbane, Australia in 2024; Astana, Kazakhstan in 2025
□ The World Library and Information Congress is an important gathering where knowledge and culture converge. More than 5,000 librarians, information specialists, policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders from 150 countries convene to discuss information access, share insights, and discuss the future of libraries.
□ Returning to Korea for the first time in 20 years since the 2006 Seoul edition, the World Library and Information Congress is anticipated to greatly elevate Busan’s profile as a city of libraries both at home and abroad.
□ As a platform for reflection and cooperation on the evolving role and social value of libraries, the 2026 World Library and Information Congress will address critical challenges, including the digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the metaverse, as well as open access and data sovereignty, inclusive information availability, and digital equity—right here in Busan.
○ Additionally, Busan will emphasize its identity as a gateway to K-content, giving attendees the chance to discover the richness and dynamism of Korean culture.
○ The WLIC 2026 is slated for August 10 to 13, 2026, at BEXCO and libraries throughout the city, and will feature academic presentations, section meetings, and business forums.
<About the 2026 World Library and Information Congress>
○ Period: Monday, August 10–Thursday, August 13, 2026 [4 days] ※ IFLA satellite programs: August 9–14 [2 days]
○ Highlights: Academic presentations, section meetings, business forums, cultural exchanges, library tours
○ Budget: 5 billion won (1.5 billion from the government, 0.5 billion from the city, 3 billion from IFLA and others)
○ Host: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
○ Organizers: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korean Library Association (2026 Busan WLIC Organizing Committee)
○ Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Korea Tourism Organization, Busan Tourism Organization
□ The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions cited that its decision was made as a result of Busan’s extensive track record with international events.
○ Busan submitted the letter of intent in April and demonstrated swift responses and readiness during field inspections, in collaboration with BEXCO and the Busan Tourism Organization. The city also spotlighted its expertise in coordinating film festivals, art fairs, and e-sports tournaments, supported by top-tier MICE facilities—BEXCO, hotels, and transport systems.
○ Busan further emphasized its commitment to nurturing a thriving reading culture ecosystem among its citizens, anchored by the National Assembly Busan Library, the Busan Metropolitan Library, local libraries, and bookstores.
○ IFLA officials praised Busan’s impactful initiatives—such as Deullak Nallak, a library designed to foster children’s creativity and imagination as a core element of the 15-minute city concept, and the recently rolled-out Sea Library.
□ Mayor Park Heong-joon affirmed, “We will make Busan the harbor of knowledge that connects libraries, cities, and people. I believe the relentless pursuits that we will persevere with until 2026 will set an innovative standard for the World Library and Information Congress.”
