Ministry of Culture Announces Major Plans for 2025
On January 10, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (문화체육관광부) unveiled its key operational plans for the year. The government aims to establish a new fund worth 600 billion KRW to attract both domestic and international investments in the content industry. Additionally, plans are underway to create a graduate school for translation to promote the international dissemination of Korean literature.
The ministry's strategy focuses on fostering the content, tourism, and sports sectors to drive economic growth and exports. A 500 billion KRW K-Content and Media Fund will be actively managed to secure significant domestic investments, while a new 100 billion KRW Global League Fund will be introduced to attract foreign investments. To bolster content exports, the number of overseas business centers will increase from 25 to 30, with enhanced strategic support for key regions such as China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
In the tourism sector, efforts will concentrate on recovering the inbound tourism market. The ministry plans to provide safety information through the 'Tourist Interpretation Guide 1330' and alleviate concerns for foreign tourists through overseas marketing initiatives. To facilitate the entry of foreign tourists, exemptions for the electronic travel authorization system (K-ETA) for certain countries and waivers for group tourist visa issuance fees will be extended until December of this year.
To nurture the artificial intelligence (AI) content industry, the ministry will establish a 'Future Strategy for the Content Industry in the AI Era' covering 2025 to 2035. Revisions to copyright laws and the establishment of publicity rights legislation will be pursued to protect creators and promote synergy within the AI industry. Furthermore, projects utilizing AI, such as the development of Korean-style AI (12.4 billion KRW) and the establishment of a domestic and international news analysis system using AI (4.74 billion KRW), will be actively promoted.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and the ministry plans to sign a memorandum of cooperation in culture, sports, and creative industries, enhancing cultural exchanges through exhibitions and performances between the two countries.
The ministry also aims to globalize Korean culture by supporting overseas ventures in various fields such as performing arts, visual arts, and literature, while expanding international exchanges. The establishment of a graduate school for translation is part of the initiative to promote the international spread of Korean literature.
In addition, efforts will be made to globalize the Korean language, Taekwondo, and traditional culture. In response to the growing demand for Korean language education abroad, new Sejong Institutes will be designated, including a new center in Chile to serve as a hub for South America. Minister Yoo In-chon stated, "Despite challenging circumstances, we will vigorously implement policies in culture, sports, and tourism this year to ensure that all citizens can enjoy culture in their daily lives and that the economy can recover swiftly."
