Korea Studies Promotion Agency celebrates 30th anniversary in Andong

The Korea Studies Promotion Agency (KSI) launched the ‘2026 Korea Studies Grand Festival’ at the Andong International Convention Center to mark its 30th anniversary. The event, running through October 31, includes a procession of Confucian woodblocks and a special exhibition of 182 Korean plaques listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register.

During the festivities, the agency declared its ‘KSI Future Vision 2040,’ focusing on the preservation and digital utilization of traditional records in the AI era. Since its establishment in 1996, the agency has collected approximately 690,000 items, including 217,000 ancient books and 395,000 historical documents. Notable holdings include the UNESCO-listed ‘Korean Confucian Woodblocks’ and the national treasure ‘Jingbirok’.

In addition to exhibitions, the festival features programs centered on the ‘5 Han’—Hanbok, Hansik, Hanok, Hanji, and Hangul—alongside AI-driven digital content. Local officials, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, emphasized the importance of sharing these cultural assets with the global community.