Seoul is inviting young individuals born between 2002 and 2005 to participate in the ‘2025 Seoul Youth Culture Pass’ program, which provides a cultural viewing subsidy of 200,000 KRW. The application period is from February 24 to March 18, with approximately 27,000 participants expected to be selected.
Starting this year, an age increment system has been introduced for young people who have completed military service. Those who have completed mandatory service can have their eligibility age extended by up to three years, corresponding to their service duration. For instance, if a person served for two years, they can apply if born in 2000.
The ‘Seoul Youth Culture Pass’ was first introduced in 2023 as a pioneering project aimed at guaranteeing cultural rights for young people in Seoul. According to a satisfaction survey by the Seoul Institute, 93% of users reported that it was practically helpful for cultural life, with 96% expressing willingness to reapply. Respondents noted increased interest in cultural and artistic events and improved quality of life through this project.
Seoul aims to support young people with limited opportunities to enjoy cultural arts by helping them attend cultural events. The goal is not just a one-time support but to cultivate a continuous habit of cultural consumption. Following Seoul’s leading initiative, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to introduce a ‘Youth Culture Arts Pass’ for 19-year-olds nationwide starting in 2024, broadening policies to guarantee cultural rights for young people across the country.
This year’s eligible participants for the Seoul Youth Culture Pass are young residents of Seoul born between 2002 and 2005, with household median income at 150% or below. Existing beneficiaries can reapply, but new applicants have priority, and the income standard for reapplicants has been adjusted to 120% or below. In cases of ties, applicants with lower income will be prioritized.
The age increment system for young people who have completed military service also starts this year. Veterans with mandatory service completed can have their support age extended by up to three years, allowing eligibility for those born up to 1999. The incremental age criteria are adjusted to one year for less than one year of service (born in 2001), two years for one to less than two years of service (born in 2000), and three years for two to less than five years of service (born in 1999).
Selected young individuals receive an annual cultural viewing subsidy of 200,000 KRW. They can reserve and attend various performances and exhibitions such as plays, musicals, classical music, traditional Korean music, and dance through the ‘Seoul Youth Culture Pass’ website. It is important to utilize the provided amount within the year, as unused funds expire at the end of the year. The selection results will be announced in mid-April.
Additionally, participants of the Seoul Youth Culture Pass can apply for the ‘Digital Voucher Youth Experience Group’ promoted by the Bank of Korea. Once selected, they will be able to use their deposit tokens at various spending locations, including the Seoul Youth Culture Pass. This program will be operated as a pilot from May to June, targeting around 500 participants.
Seoul is planning to strengthen support through this project to allow more young people to enjoy cultural arts. Ma Chae-sook, head of Seoul’s Cultural Headquarters, stated, “The Seoul Youth Culture Pass is not just about cultural support; it is a project creating a virtuous cycle that improves the quality of life for young people and advances the cultural arts sector,” adding, “We have introduced the age increment system for veterans to enable more young people to experience cultural arts from this year.”
She continued, “We will continue to expand cultural enjoyment opportunities for young people and strive to make Seoul a truly global cultural city.”
For more detailed information regarding the application and procedures related to ‘2025 Seoul Youth Culture Pass’, please visit the ‘Youth All-in-One Information Portal’ website.