Starting May 22, 240,000 discount tickets for performances will be distributed. Each person can receive up to two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Arts Management Support Center and the Korea Arts Council, announced that the first distribution of 240,000 10,000-won discount tickets will begin on May 22 through online ticketing platforms and non-metropolitan cultural centers.
This initiative aims to expand public access to performing arts and invigorate the performing arts market. It utilizes part of the 4.1 billion won (approximately $3.5 million) allocated in the 2026 supplementary budget for 400,000 discount tickets, with the remaining funds set to be used for a second distribution in September.
The tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on May 22 from five online ticketing platforms (Naver Reservations, NOLU Universe, Yes24, TimeTicket, and Ticket Link), with each person eligible for two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets issued during the first distribution period from May 22 to August 20 can be used for performances scheduled until September 3.
The discount tickets can be applied to various genres, including theater, musicals, Western music (classical), Korean music (traditional), dance, and mixed performances. However, they do not apply to popular music and dance performances.
The distribution of tickets will operate weekly from May 22 to August 20, with tickets available from 10 a.m. on Fridays until midnight the following Thursday. Any unused tickets will automatically expire at the end of the period.
Each ticket is valued at 10,000 won, and one discount ticket can be applied per transaction (up to two tickets per platform). Even if the performance price is lower than the discount ticket value, it can be used if the total payment exceeds 15,000 won. The discount can also be combined with existing promotions from the ticketing platforms.
Additionally, minors can use the discount tickets if they are registered members of the ticketing platforms, and foreigners can also qualify if they complete identity verification and membership registration.
Moreover, additional discount tickets specifically for performances held in non-metropolitan areas (excluding Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon) will be issued through three online ticketing platforms (Naver Reservations, TimeTicket, and Ticket Link), allowing up to two tickets per person. To assist elderly individuals and people with disabilities who may not be familiar with online booking, a phone support service will be available for inquiries, and ticketing platforms will provide assistance through phone support for issuing discount tickets.
On-site discounts will also be available at cultural centers in non-metropolitan areas. Eligible groups for on-site discounts include seniors (aged 55 and older), people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and farmers or fishermen. For performances exceeding 10,000 won at these cultural centers, a discount of 10,000 won will be applied at the time of ticket purchase. A list of participating cultural centers and performances can be found on the integrated performing arts information system website.
A second distribution of discount tickets is planned for September. Individuals who received and used the first round of tickets will also be eligible to apply for the second round.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.