Busan in August next year will host the World Library and Information Congress, the largest international event of its kind. Shown is Busan Metropolitan Library in the city's Sasang-gu District. (Busan Metropolitan City)

By Kim Seon Ah

The country's second-biggest city Busan will host the world's largest library and information event in August next year.

Busan Metropolitan City on July 23 confirmed the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions' designation of Busan as the venue for next year's World Library and Information Congress (WLIC).

The WLIC is a global platform for knowledge exchange attracting representatives, information experts, policymakers, scholars and civic groups from 5,000 national, city and leading libraries from about 50 countries to discuss access to information, knowledge sharing and the future of libraries.

Thirteen countries bid to host the 2026 edition, with Busan winning thanks to its vast experience in holding international events.

Thus Korea will host its first WLIC in two decades since the 2006 edition in Seoul.

Next year's event is slated from Aug. 10-13 at BEXCO (Busan Exhibition and Convention Center) and libraries in the city. Events will include academic seminars, conferences by sector and business meetings with key agenda to cover topics like the era of digital transformation; artificial intelligence and the metaverse; open information access and data sovereignty; and narrowing the information gap.

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said, "Given Busan's status as a port of knowledge where libraries, city and people are connected, we will successfully host next year's conference to set a new standard for the World Library and Information Congress." 

sofiakim218@korea.kr