This summer, the world is turning its attention to Busan. Major international events, including the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting and the International Library Conference, are set to take place, transforming the city into a grand cultural festival.
According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held at BEXCO in Busan from July 19 to 29.
This is the first time the committee is meeting in South Korea, with over 3,000 representatives and experts from 196 member countries expected to attend. The Cultural Heritage Administration has planned various events to showcase Korean cultural heritage to the world.
During the committee's session, the 'K-Heritage House' will operate continuously at BEXCO. It will feature media art and immersive experiences highlighting South Korea's World Heritage sites, including Hwaseong Fortress and the Seowon Confucian Academies, along with a 9-meter tall media pole showcasing the beauty of these sites.
Visitors can also enjoy K-food, K-seafood, and traditional market experiences, as well as shop for modern products infused with traditional culture at the 'K-Heritage Store.'
Events will continue throughout Busan, featuring performances that recreate royal court culture, such as the changing of the guard and royal walks, along with traditional arts performances and parades of the Joseon Tongsinsa. A film festival themed around travel will take place at the Busan Cinema Center, showcasing World Heritage sites in films, and a night tour program will allow visitors to explore Busan's historical sites, including the Yeongdo Bridge, with a guide.
The Busan Museum's special exhibition, 'Records and Culture of Joseon, Passing Down to Eternity,' will display royal artifacts, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and royal seals and documents.
In August, the 2026 Busan World Library and Information Conference, the largest international conference in the library sector, will be held from August 10 to 13 at BEXCO, attracting over 3,000 library professionals and experts from more than 150 countries.
The central theme will be 'Libraries in the Age of AI,' exploring the evolving roles of libraries as AI rapidly changes information production and usage. The event will also feature K-culture experience zones and various exhibitions and cultural activities.
The cultural festivities will be abundant. The 2026 Busan International Buddhist Expo will take place from August 6 to 9, themed 'Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form, Play What You Love.' It will offer a variety of exhibitions on traditional crafts, Buddhist cultural products, meditation arts, and more, along with lectures and interactive programs to make Buddhist culture accessible to everyone. The official website will support translation features in English, Japanese, and Chinese to enhance accessibility for foreign visitors.
The Busan Theater Festival (July 1-26) will showcase works from representative theater companies across the country. The Busan Ballet Festival (August 20-22) will present a diverse range of ballet performances, while the Dongnae Folk Arts Festival (September 19-20) will feature local intangible cultural heritage, including Dongnae Yaryu and Dongnae Hakchum, at various venues such as the Busan Folk Arts Center and Geumgang Park.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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