The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has announced that the 2026 World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be held in Seoul, South Korea.

The event will start on 17 November 2026  and will run until 20 November.

The event will be co-hosted by IFAC and the Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA).

KICPA president Woon-Youl Choi said: “We are delighted that Seoul has been selected as the host city for WCOA 2026.

“I am confident that WCOA 2026 will serve as a meaningful platform not only to address priorities in accounting, auditing, and sustainability, but also to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI-enabled digital innovation.

“Over the years, Korea has consistently strengthened transparency and trust amid a rapidly evolving domestic and global environment. Through this Congress, we look forward to sharing our experience with the global community while co-creating new value for future generations.

“KICPA will work closely with IFAC—from program design through on-site delivery—to ensure a high-quality and rewarding experience for all participants. We also invite every participant to experience Seoul’s vibrant culture and dynamic innovation ecosystem during the Congress and to leave with forward-looking insights.

“IFAC looks forward to working with KICPA to deliver a world-class event in November 2026.”

The WCOA, which gathers representatives from Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) worldwide, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen global ties within the accountancy sector.

The 2026 edition will mark the introduction of a biennial format for the event, which will now occur every two years.

While attendance at the congress will be limited to invited participants, the event will also be accessible online, allowing broader participation from both accountants and the general public.

Virtual attendees will be able to engage with discussions focused on the future direction of the profession.

In-person participants will include leaders from PAOs, professional services firms, regulatory bodies, government agencies, multilateral organisations, and members of the business and investment communities.

A selection of sessions will be broadcast online to ensure virtual attendees can participate in key discussions.

IFAC CEO Lee White said: “Seoul is a vibrant, innovative, and truly international city—an ideal host for WCOA 2026. At this Congress, the importance of a resilient, adaptable, and global accountancy profession will be front and center.

“We are honoured to partner with our esteemed member, KICPA, to bring the world together here—leaders, colleagues, and friends united by our shared commitment to the public interest.

“The value of a strong, global profession has never been more pronounced, nor more needed. We look forward to creating a Congress where every moment matters—whether on stage in a plenary or in a simple conversation between two new acquaintances—each connection will help shape the future of our profession.

“And of course, we will be engaging deeply on the drivers reshaping that future: sustainability, AI, and how we attract and empower the next generation of talent.”