The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young) announced on the 9th that it will issue the "Youth Culture Pass" to those born in 2006 and 2007, who turn 19 and 20 this year, in partnership with the Arts Council Korea (Chairman Chung Byung-guk).
The Youth Culture Pass is a voucher that can be used immediately to book performances, exhibitions, and movies through partner ticketing platforms including Nol Ticket, Yes24, Ticket Link, Melon Ticket, Megabox, Lotte Cinema, and CGV. Applications open on the 25th.
The Youth Culture Pass program, which began in 2024, has been expanded from covering only 19-year-olds last year to include both 19 and 20-year-olds this year. Any Korean youth residing in the country born in 2006 or 2007 who has not used Youth Culture Pass points in 2025 is eligible to apply. Upon application, 150,000 won in points will be issued immediately to youth residing in the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon), while those in non-metropolitan areas will receive 200,000 won. Passes will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis according to youth population quotas set for each of the 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, and distribution may close early depending on regional availability.
Starting this year, unlike the previous system where users had to pre-select only one ticketing platform, pass holders can now use their Youth Culture Pass points across all seven ticketing platforms to book performances such as musicals, classical concerts, and live shows, as well as exhibitions and movies. However, to prevent overconcentration in any single category, movie usage is limited to 2 visits in the metropolitan area and 4 visits in non-metropolitan areas, regardless of amount.
Applications for the Youth Culture Pass will be accepted from February 25 through June 30 via the official website (youthculturepass) after completing membership registration. Issuance status and supported amounts can be checked through the My Page menu on the website. The 2025 Youth Culture Pass is valid through December 31. However, if a pass issued by June 30 is not used at least once by July 31, it will be deactivated starting August 1.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "We have worked hard to expand the eligibility and usage venues for the Youth Culture Pass so that young people can enjoy arts and culture as part of their daily lives in their own regions, and we have also made significant efforts to increase quality performances and exhibitions touring various regions."