Knowledge for life: The evolution of Korea's library ecosystem

This article examines the evolution of the Korean library ecosystem, from its pre-modern documentary culture to contemporary legal frameworks. Defining libraries as essential social institutions for the constitutional “right to know,” the study analyzes the historical and institutional foundations of Korean librarianship. It explores modern innovations, such as generative AI integration and “K-Library” landmarks, under the Fourth Comprehensive Library Development Plan. Furthermore, the paper discusses strategic responses to the “demographic cliff” and digital polarization, repositioning the library as a “social operating system” for community empowerment. It concludes by presenting the 2026 IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan as a global platform for sharing Korea's innovative models.