Culture Ministry finalizes 2023 budget at over 1.5 trillion won

Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon talks at a press briefing on Jan. 5 at the government complex in central Seoul. [YONHAP]

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday that it finalized this year’s culture and arts budget at 1.5131 trillion won ($1.217 billion).

The funds will be used in fields like literature, tourism, sports and related policies.

“We will do our best to support K-art so that under its ‘K’ identity it can actively enter the overseas market since K-art is emerging as a powerhouse and blue chip in the cultural export market,” Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon said last week.

“Residents in the community also need to have better access to their regional arts in order to prevent communities from dissipating. We’ll make sure that citizens can enjoy high-quality exhibitions and performances in other provinces as well.”

The ministry plans to help fund art university students’ education and give them vouchers to use equipment or spaces.

Park also stressed reinforcing the Yoon Seok Yeol government’s policy directions in assisting the people who are weak or disabled by providing more opportunities for them to engage in culture and art-related activities.

These particular funds have increased by 20 billion won compared to 2021 and will be used to create a more convenient approach to culture, such as by translating movies or adding sign language descriptions in museums.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]