Moviegoers buy tickets at a local cinema in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s government said Tuesday it plans to expand its popular “Culture Day” program to every Wednesday, a move aimed at broadening public access to museums, heritage sites and entertainment venues.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it will seek to revise the enforcement decree of the Framework Act on Culture to change Culture Day from a once-a-month event — held on the last Wednesday of each month — to a weekly initiative.
Since its launch in January 2014, Culture Day has offered free admission to major state-run cultural facilities and discounted entry to private venues. On designated days, visitors can enter historic sites such as Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung palaces at no cost, while major cinema chains including CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox offer discounted movie tickets during evening hours.
The program has grown steadily in popularity. Public participation rose from 28.4 percent in its first year to 84.7 percent in 2024, according to government data, fueling calls to expand the initiative.
Citizens watching movie trailers at a cinema. (Yonhap)
The ministry said it will collect public feedback on the proposed revision through the National Participation Legislative Center until Feb. 28 before finalizing the changes.
Officials said the expansion reflects growing demand for everyday access to cultural life, as the Democratic Party–led government seeks to strengthen cultural welfare and reduce barriers to participation.
If approved, the move would mark one of the most significant expansions of the program since its introduction more than a decade ago.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
