According to the ministry, the coupons will be available starting at 10 a.m. on May 13. A total of 2.25 million coupons will be distributed, which represents half of the 4.5 million movie discount coupons secured through the 2026 supplementary budget aimed at stabilizing livelihoods and revitalizing the film industry. The remaining 2.25 million coupons will be distributed in July during the summer peak season.
The coupons can be used at major multiplex theaters such as CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CineQ through their websites and mobile apps. Each online member of these theaters will automatically receive two coupons in their coupon wallet. Moviegoers can select the discount coupon when booking or paying for tickets.
However, once the allocated quantity of coupons for each theater is exhausted, the discount will no longer be applicable. Even if a coupon is in a member's wallet, it will automatically disappear if the theater's allocation runs out before it is used.
In addition to multiplexes, independent and art-house theaters, as well as smaller cinemas and silver cinemas, will also offer the discount coupons. The ministry stated that while these theaters are encouraged to provide coupons through their websites, those unable to do so due to system limitations will distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue. Participating theaters can be checked on the Korean Film Council's website.
Using the discount coupon will reduce the ticket price by 6,000 won per ticket. However, if the final payment amount after applying the discount falls below 1,000 won, a minimum charge of 1,000 won will apply.
The discount can be combined with existing theater discounts. According to the ministry, the 6,000 won discount coupons can be used alongside discounts for 'Culture Day', disability benefits, senior citizen discounts, youth discounts, and early bird discounts.
Specifically, for CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox, movie ticket prices are set at 10,000 won on the second and last Wednesdays of each month as part of 'Culture Day' discounts. By applying the 6,000 won discount coupon, moviegoers can watch a film for just 4,000 won.
Additionally, discounts from affiliated credit cards can also be applied if the minimum payment conditions set by the card companies are met. However, telecom company member discounts cannot be combined with this coupon.
Individuals eligible for disability and senior citizen discounts can also receive discounts on-site, even though online booking is the principle for this initiative. The ministry plans to operate a dedicated support desk to guide moviegoers unfamiliar with using websites or apps on how to book tickets.
A ministry policy official stated, "As we welcome the warm spring, we hope this movie discount initiative adds joy to daily life and provides an opportunity for audiences to engage more closely with Korean films. We will continue to support policies that reflect the voices from the field to ensure that the recent trend of audience recovery continues and the Korean film industry can make a strong comeback."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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