New 2026 Culture & Tourism Policies: Webtoon Tax Credit, More Regional Performances, Foreign-Friendly Shopping Districts
Creatrip Team
7 months ago
South Korea expands tax incentives and regional cultural support in 2026. From January, a new tax credit for webtoon (digital comics) production is introduced — 10% for large firms, 15% for small businesses — while tax credits for video production rise for large companies. The Culture Ministry will raise the integrated culture voucher program beneficiaries and per-person support, with extra grants for teenagers and people aged 60–64. National and popular performances, plus museum shows, will tour the regions more often, increasing annual local touring support by about 40%. Starting March, tourists visiting depopulated rural areas can receive up to 50% of travel expenses back in local gift certificates (regional currency), and new discounts for multi-night and island stays are launched. A “100×100” themed hotspot project will highlight 100 spots across several themes. For young creators, the government will fund 3,000 K-Art youth creators and send 700 youths to global cultural placements; youth cultural passes expand to include ages 19–20 and add movies and books. The National Heritage Agency will broaden heritage visit courses and media-art projects. The SME Ministry will develop six “glocal” commercial districts aimed at foreign visitors, each eligible for up to KRW 5 billion, to spread K-culture visits beyond Seoul.
