South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Arts Council Korea said Monday they will issue a “Youth Culture and Arts Pass” to people born in 2006 and 2007 who turn 19 or 20 this year.
The pass can be used immediately to book performances, exhibitions and movies through partner ticketing platforms and theaters, including NOL Ticket, YES24, Ticketlink, Melon Ticket, Megabox, Lotte Cinema and CGV. Applications open Feb. 25.
Launched in 2024 to help young people become active cultural consumers, the program will cover those born from Jan. 1, 2006, to Dec. 31, 2007. Eligible applicants are South Korean youths living in the country who did not use Youth Culture and Arts Pass points in 2025.
After applying, youths living in the Seoul metropolitan area — including Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon — will receive 150,000 won in points, while those outside the capital region will receive 200,000 won. Passes will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis within quotas set for each of the nation’s 17 provinces and major cities, and issuance may close early depending on local demand.
Unlike previous years, when users had to choose one ticketing outlet in advance, points can now be used across all seven partners to book musicals, classical performances, concerts, exhibitions and movies. Movie use is capped at two visits in the capital region and four outside it, regardless of price.
Applications will be accepted through June 30 on the official website after users sign up for an account. Applicants can check issuance status and support amounts in the “My Page” section. The pass is valid through Dec. 31. However, passes issued by June 30 will be disabled starting Aug. 1 if they are not used at least once by July 31. Unused funds will be reclaimed, and the ministry said it plans additional issuance in the second half of the year to expand access.
‘Youth Culture and Arts Pass’ users to get ticket discounts at national arts groups and more;
Website to offer information on major performances, exhibitions and films
National arts organizations, including the National Symphony Orchestra, and local governments such as Incheon will offer ticket discounts to pass users. Eligible events include the National Symphony Orchestra’s “Sibelius, Symphony No. 2” (March 7), the National Theater Company of Korea’s “Sammaegyeong” (March 12-April 5), the Korea National Ballet’s “Swan Lake” (April 7-12), the Seoul Arts Center’s “2026 Seoul Arts Center Opera
* Instagram (@youthpass19), KakaoTalk Channel (search “청년 문화예술패스”)
Jeong Hyang Mi, director general for arts and culture policy at the ministry, said the program expanded both eligibility and where the pass can be used so young people can enjoy arts and culture as part of daily life in their communities. She said the ministry also worked to increase attractions such as high-quality touring performances and exhibitions. “The ministry will continue to pursue policies that help young people build cultural sensitivity and creativity so they can grow as audiences and leaders of K-art,” she said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.