South Korea Boosts Culture and Youth Support with 6 Trillion Won Budget Increase

South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Confirms Budget Increase for Next Year

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in South Korea has officially confirmed a budget increase for the upcoming year. The budget, totaling 6 trillion 954.5 billion won, reflects a 3.17% increase compared to the previous year. The ministry aims to prioritize the enhancement of the nation’s quality of life through various cultural and artistic endeavors.

Supporting Youth and Local Culture

The approved budget includes several noteworthy initiatives aimed at supporting the youth and promoting local culture. One such initiative is the introduction of the “Youth Culture and Arts Pass” program, with a budget of 170 billion won. The program aims to provide comprehensive access to performances and exhibitions for 160,000 teenagers who are turning 19 years old. Its goal is to reduce the economic burden on culturally inclined young individuals and inject vitality into the stagnant cultural and artistic sectors.

Empowering Vulnerable Youth and Artists

The budget increase also emphasizes support for vulnerable youth and artists. The budget for activities related to art engagement among vulnerable youth, such as the “Dream Orchestra” program, has been increased from 67 billion won to 107 billion won. Additionally, a new program has been introduced to support emerging artists who are not affiliated with art galleries, with a budget allocation of 130 billion won.

Expanding Cultural and Sports Opportunities

The government aims to enhance accessibility to cultural and sports activities for various segments of society. As part of this effort, the subsidy for the Integrated Cultural Access Pass, targeting vulnerable groups, will be increased from 110,000 won to 130,000 won. Furthermore, the Sports Course Voucher, which supports recreational sports activities, will expand its coverage from 106,000 to 140,000 individuals.

Promoting Korean Culture Globally

The budget allocation also includes measures to promote Korean culture on the global stage. The government plans to allocate 470 billion won to provide opportunities and spaces for artists and to explore overseas markets. Additionally, 170 billion won has been set aside for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and the hosting of the K-Art Special Exhibition.

Enhancing Support for Performing Artists and Content Creation

The budget increase allows for the expansion of support for young performing artists. The number of supported individuals from national and exclusive performing arts organizations will be significantly increased from 95 to 295. Moreover, 90 billion won will be allocated to strengthen support for local performing arts organizations.

Boosting Content Policy and Regional Tourism

The budget also focuses on the activation of content policy finance, with a record-high allocation of 1 trillion 740 billion won. This will support the creation of a fund through private company joint investments and expand the K-Content Fund investment. Additionally, the budget includes provisions for the development of major tourist destinations, with increased funding for projects in the southern region.

Minister’s Commitment to Fair and Efficient Budget Execution

Minister Yu In-chon expressed his commitment to executing the budget in a fair and efficient manner. He emphasized the importance of implementing projects that have a tangible impact on the lives of citizens and contribute to the vitality of Korean society.

Overall, the confirmed budget for the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reflects a comprehensive approach to support youth, vulnerable groups, artists, and local tourism. It also aims to promote Korean culture globally and enhance the support system for performing artists and content creation.