Looking for fun, budget-friendly ways to enjoy life in Korea?
Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or a new expat settling in, there’s a little-known secret you should take advantage of: Culture Day.
Held on the last Wednesday of every month, Culture Day gives you access to discounted or even free tickets to movies, exhibitions, concerts, and more.
And yes—foreigners can join, too.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Culture Day in Korea, including 2025 dates, where to get discounts, and tips on how to book as a foreign resident.
Ready to save money while experiencing the best of Korean culture? Let’s dive in.
What Is Culture Day in Korea?
If you're living in Korea or planning to move here, there's a monthly event you should definitely know about: Culture Day (문화가 있는 날).
It happens on the last Wednesday of every month, and it’s when museums, movie theaters, concert halls, and even baseball stadiums offer special discounts or free entry.
The program was created by the Korean Ministry of Culture to make cultural life more affordable and accessible for everyone—including foreign residents.
Whether you're into films, history, music, or sports, Culture Day is a perfect chance to enjoy local experiences without spending much.
2025 Culture Day Dates (July to December)
Culture Day follows a regular schedule: the last Wednesday of each month. Here's when you can expect it for the rest of 2025:
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| July | July 30, 2025 (Wed) |
| August | August 27, 2025 (Wed) |
| September | September 24, 2025 (Wed) |
| October | October 29, 2025 (Wed) |
| November | November 26, 2025 (Wed) |
| December | December 31, 2025 (Wed) |
How to Get Movie Discounts on Culture Day
One of the most popular perks on Culture Day is the movie ticket discount.
On this day, major theaters like CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CineQ offer evening movie tickets for just 7,000 KRW.
And it gets even better—from July to October 2025, the government is offering a 6,000 KRW Culture Day movie coupon that can be used on top of the discount.
That means you could watch a movie for just 1,000 KRW!
How It Works:
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Time: 5 PM to 9 PM (movie start time)
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Valid For: Standard 2D screenings (excludes IMAX, 4DX, etc.)
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Booking: Use the cinema’s website or app, look for the Culture Day section
Tips for Foreigners:
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You don’t need to be Korean! If you have a valid visa and can create a cinema account, you can use these benefits.
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Coupons are limited and first-come, first-served—grab them early!
Free Museums, Art Exhibits & Royal Palaces Entry
Culture Day isn’t just about movies—museums, galleries, and historic palaces across Korea also open their doors with free or discounted admission.
Popular Places Offering Free Entry:
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National Museum of Korea (Seoul)
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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Seoul Museum of Art
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National Science Museum (Daejeon)
Royal Palaces:
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On Culture Day, many royal sites like Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs offer free or extended evening hours.
Discounts on Performances:
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Municipal theaters and cultural centers often offer 30–50% off for musicals, classical concerts, or plays.
For example:-
Seoul Metropolitan Opera
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National Theater Company of Korea
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Local cultural halls
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💡 Note: Some exhibitions or shows may require online reservations or offer discounts only at specific time slots. Always check the venue’s website in advance.
Baseball Game Tickets: Discount Info for Foreign Fans
Yes, even KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) games participate in Culture Day!
If you're a baseball fan, this is a great chance to catch a live game at a reduced price—especially in the warmer months.
Where to Go:
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Jamsil Baseball Stadium (Seoul): LG Twins or Doosan Bears home games
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Other stadiums may include:
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KT Wiz Park (Suwon)
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Samsung Lions Park (Daegu)
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Typical Discount:
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30% to 50% off on seats in selected blocks
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Some teams extend the Culture Day deals to Tuesday–Thursday home games
How to Book:
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Visit the KBO official app or the team’s ticket website
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Look for “문화의 날” or “Culture Day” promotions
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Discounts vary by team and month, so always double-check
Monthly Culture Day Highlights (What to Do by Month)
Each month, different cultural themes and seasonal events take center stage. Here’s what you can expect for the second half of 2025:
| Month | What to Try | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| July | Movies + Baseball | Evening movie + Jamsil stadium weekday game |
| August | Art & Musicals | Sejong Center exhibit + Daehak-ro musical (1+1) |
| September | Family-Friendly | Science museums + National History Museum |
| October | Palace Night Tours | Night entry at Changdeokgung + light shows |
| November | Concert Season | Seoul Philharmonic + National Theater discounts |
| December | Holiday Vibes | Christmas exhibitions + kids’ concerts |
How Foreign Residents Can Join & Save Money
Worried that you won’t be able to access these benefits because you’re not Korean? Don’t be.
Foreigners living in Korea can fully enjoy Culture Day—as long as you follow a few simple steps.
How to Use Culture Day Discounts:
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Check the official Culture Day event list
Visit the Culture Day event page.
You’ll find a list of available discounts and programs for the month.
Each event shows details like venue name, time, and type (e.g., movie, museum, concert).
You can also use the interactive map to explore what's available around your area. -
Book tickets through official platforms
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Movies: CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, CineQ websites or apps
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Museums & exhibits: Check each venue’s website (some require online booking)
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Performances: Use Interpark or the venue’s direct ticketing page
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Sports: KBO app or team-specific sites
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Use your alien registration number (ARC)
Most platforms allow ARC-based membership, so you can log in and book like locals -
Arrive early for limited-entry events
Some benefits are first-come, first-served or capacity-based, especially for popular exhibitions
💡 Tip: Mark the last Wednesday of each month in your calendar and check event updates a week before!
FAQs About Culture Day in Korea
Q1. Can foreigners use the same discounts as Koreans?
Yes. If you have a valid visa and can join or register with the relevant platform, you get the same benefits.
Q2. Do I need to pay in cash or use a Korean card?
Most venues accept Korean debit/credit cards and mobile payment apps like KakaoPay or Naver Pay.
Some platforms accept foreign-issued cards, but not always—having a Korean bank account helps.
Q3. Are the discounts available in English too?
Some websites like Interpark, CGV, or culture.go.kr offer English versions. But not all booking pages are translated, so using Chrome’s auto-translate can help.
Q4. What if I miss the exact Wednesday—can I still get the discount?
Sometimes yes! Some venues extend Culture Day benefits to the whole week.
But most movie and palace discounts apply only on Wednesday, so plan ahead.
Q5. Are these discounts available year-round?
Yes! Culture Day happens every last Wednesday monthly.
The types of events and discounts change by season—but the program continues year-round.
Living in Korea comes with tons of unique cultural perks—and Culture Day is one of the best. Whether you're into movies, museums, music, or even baseball, this monthly event is a fantastic way to explore Korean culture without breaking the bank.
Now that you know how it works and where to go, why not plan your first (or next) Culture Day outing? Just mark the last Wednesday of each month on your calendar, check the official listings, and enjoy everything Korea has to offer—for free or almost free.
Happy exploring!
