The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST) will expand “Culture Day,” previously held on the last Wednesday of each month, to every Wednesday starting April 1, making it easier for the public to experience culture in their daily lives. To mark the occasion, the MCST held a commemorative performance at Seoul Station on April 1 under the slogan “Wednesday Is Culture Day—Let’s Enjoy Culture!”

Culture Day Boosts Audiences and Revenue at Cinemas and Performance Venues; Expansion to Every Wednesday Starting April 1 Ushers in an Era of Universal Cultural Enjoyment

Since its introduction in 2014, Culture Day has significantly contributed to promoting cultural and arts consumption, particularly film and the performing arts. According to an analysis, from 2014 to 2023, cinemas recorded an average increase of 30% in audience numbers and 15% in revenue on “Culture Day,” while performance venues saw audience numbers rise by 9% and revenue by 5%. However, concerns were raised that holding the program only once a month, on the last Wednesday, limited people’s opportunities to enjoy culture in everyday life. In response, the MCST decided to expand the program from “the last Wednesday of every month” to “every Wednesday” so that more people can benefit from it.

This expansion is meaningful because it goes beyond simple discount benefits into fostering a lifestyle-oriented cultural ecosystem where people can actively participate in and enjoy culture. Building on the achievements demonstrated since its introduction in 2014, such as increased attendance at cinemas and performance venues, the MCST plans to universalize opportunities for cultural enjoyment and further solidify the foundation for cultural consumption in the “Era of KRW 300 Trillion K-Culture.” In addition, approximately 450 tailored programs will be operated intensively year-round in culturally underserved areas, including rural, fishing, and mountainous regions.

Nationwide Commemorative Events, including a Performance at Seoul Station, Expand Culture Day; Online Culture Day Certification Event (Apr. 1) and Video Contest (through Apr. 14) Also Underway

The commemorative performance at Seoul Station transformed an ordinary everyday space—a railway station—into a vibrant cultural venue. Under the theme “Wednesday Arirang,” approximately 50 artists from diverse fields, including traditional Korean musicians such as PARK Ae-ri and CHOI Jae-myeong, as well as jazz vocalists, bands, and dancers, staged a traditional Korean music flash mob and delivered a high-quality performance to visitors to Seoul Station. Blending tradition and modernity, the performance symbolically portrayed a scene of people encountering culture in everyday life every Wednesday.

In addition, to celebrate Culture Day, Gwanak-gu in Seoul hosted the “Art Bus” classical performance at Underground Gwanak, a multiuse cultural space in an underground passageway, inviting culturally vulnerable groups. Namdong-gu in Incheon held a cultural and arts performance in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Incheon Metropolitan City Museum. The lobby of Gwangju City Hall hosted the “2026 Regional Arts Group Golden Lobby Concert,” while Sancheong-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do organized a street parade. Across the country, performances, exhibitions, and hands-on events reflecting regional characteristics are helping create a cultural festive atmosphere. The MCST will continue to promote public participation in culture through collaboration with content creators and public engagement events. Detailed information on cultural benefits and programs available nearby can be found on the official Culture Day website (https://rcda.or.kr/cultureday).

In particular, the MCST aims to build a cultural ecosystem through Culture Day that enables people to experience and participate in culture directly. To this end, the participation of diverse private institutions and organizations that share this purpose is essential, and those wishing to participate may register at any time through the official Culture Day website. The MCST plans to expand tangible cultural benefits for the public through the voluntary participation of more businesses and organizations.

Minister CHAE stated, “I hope the expansion of Culture Day will further enhance the public’s quality of cultural life and serve as an opportunity to bring new vitality to the cultural and arts sector.” He added, “We will work closely with relevant ministries and private institutions so that everyone can fully enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences every Wednesday.”