Attendees of IFLA WLIC 2026 will find themselves at the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cultural hubs.
While gathering to discuss librarianship and the future of knowledge, delegates will be immersed in the global rise of Korean culture—an influential movement shaping music, film, literature, and digital media worldwide.
As you prepare for your Congress journey, let’s explore the K-culture experiences awaiting delegates alongside attending WLIC 2026 in Busan!
K-pop: a sound that resonates across the world
K-pop is one of the defining sounds of contemporary culture. What began as a regional music industry has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, propelled by PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ and expanded by globally influential groups like BTS.
For WLIC 2026 delegates, this global wave holds special local significance. Busan is the hometown of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook—a source of pride for the city and a reminder that global icons often emerge from strong local roots. Their journey from Busan to international stages mirrors Korea’s growing cultural influence worldwide.
Busan also actively shapes today’s K-pop scene. The city hosts the Busan One Asia Festival (BOF), one of Asia’s major K-pop events, bringing together leading artists and international fans from around the world each year. During the festival, the entire city comes alive with music and international visitors.
K-pop’s reach now extends across media. ‘Golden’ from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters illustrates how Korean pop culture flows between music, film, and digital platforms. In Busan, K-pop is not a distant trend but a vibrant part of the city’s cultural identity.
K-drama and film beyond the language barrier
Korean dramas and films have become powerful storytellers on the international stage. Through streaming platforms, local narratives now reach audiences across borders.
Busan is a vibrant hub of film culture and creativity. As a UNESCO Creative City of Film and home to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia’s most influential film festival, the city has long been a gateway to the world for Korean cinema. Each year, filmmakers and audiences gather in Busan, transforming the city into a dynamic space for storytelling and exchange.
Global successes such as Squid Game and Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite demonstrate the international reach of Korean screen culture. Beyond these successes, Busan’s global presence is continually strengthened by its festivals, film markets, and cultural institutions. Cinema here is not only screened — it is actively nurtured and celebrated.
Esports and the new digital reading room
Media culture has shifted from passive consumption to active, real-time participation. In Esports, Korea has been a pioneering force, shaping competitive gaming into a major global industry. One of its most iconic figures is Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok), widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, whose career symbolises Korea’s leadership in digital competition.
Busan has hosted major international tournaments, and BEXCO—the venue for WLIC 2026—welcomed the League of Legends World Championship in 2022. These events demonstrate the city’s growing importance in global esports.
Streaming platforms transform these competitions into shared global experiences, connecting millions in real time.
K-Culture is no longer a passing trend. It is a dynamic digital wave that brings Busan and Korea closer to the global community.
🔗 Resource