South Korea Proposes Record 9.6 Trillion Won Culture Budget for 2027, Expanding Youth Programs and Artist Support
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a record budget of 9.634 trillion won ($7.09 billion) for 2027, marking a 22.6% increase from the current year's budget of 7.855 trillion won. This proposal, which still requires Cabinet endorsement and National Assembly approval, aims to significantly boost cultural and arts programs, allocating 3.854 trillion won (40% of the total budget) to these initiatives. The ministry's plan focuses on five key priorities: strengthening the safety net for artists and supporting basic arts, expanding cultural access and job opportunities for young people, growing the K-content industry, promoting regional tourism, and improving sports infrastructure. A major change includes extending the Youth Culture Pass program to cover individuals aged 19 to 34, a significant expansion from the current 19-20 age range, with funding increasing from 36.1 billion won to 792.5 billion won. This program will offer 100,000 won per person in the capital region and 150,00... 
