Culture ministry maps out plans to boost cultural industries, attract 40 mln visitors

On August 5, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in South Korea announced ambitious plans to boost the nation's cultural industries and attract a staggering 40 million foreign visitors annually in the second half of the year. The government has set this goal in order to revitalize regions and expand the reach of K-culture, sports, and tourism worldwide.

To accomplish this vision, the ministry has identified six key priorities for the second half of the year. These include building a strong foundation for a cultural powerhouse, nurturing Korean cultural industries as a core sector, and expanding financial support for content industries through loans, guarantees, and funds. The ministry also plans to increase investment in major intellectual properties targeting the global market.

Artificial intelligence will play a significant role in the industry's future, with the government planning to support its use in production and overhaul existing copyright rules to better reflect AI's impact. The ministry aims to train 18,000 industry professionals by 2030 and step up efforts to expand the overseas reach of films, games, publishing, and other content.

With South Korea currently on track to welcome 23 million foreign visitors this year, the government has set its sights even higher, aiming for 40 million annual arrivals by 2028. To achieve this, the ministry will improve airport, port, and lodging infrastructure, as well as ease visa and entry rules. Additionally, the ministry will develop more regional tourism products tailored to fans of Korean pop culture, supporting local destinations to draw more visitors beyond the capital.

To create a thriving cultural environment, the ministry plans to improve artists' working conditions and increase investment in pure arts and indie content. This includes expanding government support to provide artists with social insurance on par with regular salaried workers, as well as stepping up financial assistance, including livelihood loans. The ministry will also shift away from the current method of public contests, introducing a wider variety of support measures to reach more artists.