The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea presented an ambitious strategy to President Lee Jae-myung aimed at transforming Korean culture into the main driver of the national economy. The primary goal of this plan is to create conditions to attract 40 million foreign visitors annually, which is a significant increase compared to the forecast of 23 million for the current year. The concept, named 'regional revitalization and going global through K-culture, sports, and tourism,' serves as a model for countries like Iran, which possesses a rich cultural heritage but faces difficulties in fully realizing this potential for economic growth and soft power.
South Korea intends to actively develop its content industries, including film, music, publishing, and games, as a future key sector of the economy. The plan includes expanding financial support through guarantees and loans, as well as increasing investments in major intellectual assets for the global market. One of the key policy decisions currently being finalized is the introduction of a 'holding' system for films, which will mandate a waiting period between theatrical release and streaming platform debut, thereby protecting the income of the film industry and the health of the sector.
For Iran, which has a deep cinematic history and a rich literary and musical heritage, this system could serve as a benchmark. Tehran could consider implementing similar support mechanisms for its own film and music industries, using the 'holding' system to strengthen local cinemas against the onslaught of international streaming services, which would help preserve the unique cultural narrative and support local creative talents.
To achieve the goal of 40 million tourists, the ministry plans large-scale infrastructure improvements. This includes modernizing airports, ports, and hotel facilities, as well as simplifying visa regulations. A significant part of this strategy focuses on developing regional tourism products to attract guests outside the capital, including plans to build two large multi-purpose dome stadiums capable of hosting both sporting events and concerts.
Iran's extensive historical attractions and diverse climate are strong tourist magnets, yet this sector is often constrained by infrastructural gaps and regulatory barriers. South Korea's focus on easing visa procedures and developing regional centers offers a tangible model. For instance, Iran could invest in specialized tourist destinations around its historic cities (Isfahan, Shiraz) and natural wonders while improving its hotel base. South Korea's investments in modern venues for global events could inspire Iran to upgrade its facilities for hosting international cultural festivals, which is critical for demonstrating its non-resource economic potential.
The ministry has committed to improving working conditions for artists by ensuring access to social security and financial assistance, including subsistence loans. Furthermore, there is a shift away from traditional funding through state competitions towards a broader range of support measures. The plan also emphasizes the need to increase the attractiveness of regions outside of Seoul by expanding cultural and sports facilities and attracting specialists to local levels.
Like their Korean counterparts, many Iranian artists face economic instability. The South Korean model, which provides for social insurance and diverse financial support, can serve as a template for supporting Iranian cultural workers. Moreover, the policy of decentralizing cultural infrastructure outside the capital resonates deeply in Iran. Although Tehran is a cultural hub, cities such as Tabriz, Mashhad, and Shiraz possess distinct cultural identities that can be developed as regional cultural centers to stimulate the local economy and ensure a fairer distribution of tourism revenue, following the South Korean strategy.
In conclusion, the South Korean plan represents a comprehensive strategy for utilizing culture, sports, and tourism as pillars of national prosperity in the 21st century. Although Iran has its own unique geopolitical and cultural context, the core principles of investing in creative industries, supporting artists, modernizing tourism infrastructure, and decentralizing development are universally applicable. By analyzing and adapting elements of this model, Iran can leverage its unparalleled cultural wealth to drive economic growth, enhance its international standing, and create a more dynamic society for its citizens.
