IFLA WLIC 2026 delegates will discover that Busan offers far more than scenic landscapes and memorable cuisine.
The city also provides many ways to experience art, wellness, and everyday culture. Beyond the Congress sessions, visitors can explore creative spaces, discover Korean approaches to self-care, and enjoy local shopping districts.
Arts and cultural spaces
Busan’s cultural scene ranges from contemporary art museums to creative complexes shaped by the city’s industrial past.
The Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, located on Eulsukdo Island, presents exhibitions that explore the connections between nature, society, and contemporary art. Its exterior features a vertical garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, creating a living façade that welcomes visitors before they enter the galleries.
Near BEXCO in Centum City, Museum 1 offers an immersive media art experience where large LED installations transform walls, ceilings, and floors into dynamic digital environments.
Another notable place is F1963, a former wire factory that has been transformed into a cultural complex featuring galleries, an art library, garden spaces, and cafés.
K-Beauty and wellness
Korean beauty and wellness practices have gained global recognition for their focus on long-term skincare and balanced self-care.
In Busan, visitors can explore skincare boutiques and clinics in areas such as Centum City and Seomyeon, where a wide variety of products and treatments are available.
For relaxation, Haeundae Hot Spring Street is known for its spas and jjimjilbangs (traditional Korean bathhouses) fed by natural hot springs, where visitors can enjoy thermal baths and heated rooms after a full day of Congress sessions.
Local shopping districts
Busan’s shopping districts range from large modern complexes to lively street markets.
Shinsegae Centum City, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest department store, brings together retail, dining, and leisure facilities within a single complex.
In Nampo-dong, Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street offers a different atmosphere, with boutiques, cafés, and street food lining one of Busan’s most pedestrian-friendly streets.
During IFLA WLIC 2026, these places offer a chance to experience Busan’s creative culture and everyday city life.