The Korea Times
Korea’s cultural and tourism sectors hit historic highs during the first year of Lee Jae Myung's administration, driven by aggressive fiscal support, relaxed visa requirements and a global surge in demand for Korean entertainment, the government said Tuesday. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that outbound cultural exports, collectively known as "K-content," reached a record $14.9 billion in 2025. Concurrently, international tourist arrivals surged to an all-time high of 18.94 million, putting the country within striking distance of its ambitious long-term travel targets. The figures underscore Seoul’s strategic shift to treat its cultural output not merely as a tool for diplomatic soft power, but as a core engine of economic growth. Faced with a slowing manufacturing sector, policymakers have increasingly leaned into intellectual property, digital entertainment and services to stabilize the economy. To sustain the momentum of K-content, the government is rapidly expanding its specialized policy financing. The state-backed venture capital pool for the creative sec
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