The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Dec. 26 said it will develop an ecosystem for the traditional culture sector to back the latter's advance abroad. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Jihae

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism says it will form an ecosystem for the traditional culture industry through its modernization and integration for development as a leading cultural brand.

A ministry meeting of social relations officials on Dec. 27 decided on the basic direction and tasks for policy toward the traditional culture industry over the next five years (2025-29).

For the growth of the traditional culture sector, the government will boost related support by cultivating businesses and research and development (R&D).

It will develop in stages a center to develop the traditional culture industry through comprehensive support for education, promotion, exhibition and distribution. Cooperation between businesses and artisans will also support the development of modernized products that meet consumption trends.

For corporate growth, the promotion of R&D will cover the whole value chain spanning materials, production and sales of traditional cultural products. The release of data on artifacts will help develop immersive content and traditional cultural goods, and support for crowdfunding and investment consultations will stimulate investment in the sector.

More opportunities to experience traditional culture in the public and private sectors will seek to create demand.

Events during Hanbok Culture Week (third week of October) will promote the wearing of Hanbok in daily life and contests for goods utilizing Hanji (traditional paper) will stimulate consumption opportunities.

Other plans include expansion of Hanbok work uniforms, development of design guidelines for incorporating Korean-style colors at daily spaces, and distribution of the guidelines to Korean Cultural Centers (KCC) and King Sejong Institutes abroad.

The ministry will also expand support for online and offline distribution and sales channels at home and abroad to strengthen the foreign advance of traditional culture.

Other plans include expanding sales channels through large-scale events, regional festivals, and offline and online distribution platforms and heightened promotion through links with overseas exhibitions such as "Maison and Objet," use of the infrastructure of KCCs abroad; and production and promotion of "Korean Style" video content through broadcasting and over-the-top platforms.

jihlee08@korea.kr