Korea boosts K-arts travel subsidy as budget rises 50 percent

The culture ministry said Monday it will increase funding for a program that pays the travel and shipping costs of Korean performers and artists invited abroad, raising next year's budget by 50 percent as applications open for the 2027 round.

The ministry's 2027 budget proposal sets aside 1.8 billion won ($1.33 million) for K-arts on the Go, up from 1.2 billion won ($883,718) this year. Artists invited by overseas venues, festivals or exhibition spaces listed in the ministry's platform directory can claim airfare and the cost of shipping their work.

The first 2027 round covers performances and exhibitions scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23 through the national culture and arts support system. Two further rounds are planned, in March and July 2027.

In the program's first round in 2025, 54 of 83 applications were funded, and this year 61 of 105 were supported.

For large productions involving 11 or more people, the support ceiling rises to 40 million won ($29,457) from 30 million won ($22,093). Performing arts groups may apply for up to four production staff and visual arts projects for up to two, so that technicians can travel with the work.

The platform directory, which currently lists 902 overseas platforms, will be fully evaluated for the first time from 2027, and platforms that do not meet its standards will be removed after a grace period. Artists may still propose new platforms through the website at any time, with results announced after October 2027.

Kim Hyun-jun, the ministry's director-general for international cultural policy, said the program is meant to ease the administrative burden on artists and help them reach audiences overseas. "We will further strengthen support so that our cultural and arts professionals can meet overseas audiences with excellent works," he said.