Korean Culture

The Korean National Committee has prepared some information for you to prepare yourself in advance to the your journey to Busan, South Korea. Read on to find useful information, insights and tips.

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!

Listen to Korea!

1977 – 2025

The National Committee created a playlist with songs from Sanullim’s “Already Now”, published in 1977, to the 2013’s phenomenon PSY singing “Gangnam Style” as well as the more recent “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Music!

Arirang

a lyrical folk song from the Republic of Korea

‘Arirang’ is a popular form of Korean folk song, the outcome of many collective contributions. Essentially a simple song, it consists of the refrain ‘Arirang, arirang, arariyo’ and two simple lines that differ from region to region. While dealing with diverse universal themes, the simple musical and literary composition invites improvisation, imitation and singing in unison.

‘Arirang’ is included in UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.