Effects of Pandemic

The damage suffered by creative businesses in Korea as a result of Covid-19 was significant, amounting to 17% of sector turnover and with 15% of creative workers losing their jobs. There are particular concerns around freelancers, which account for a high proportion of Seoul’s creative workforce.

Changing Demographic

The demographic structure of Seoul is changing. Korea has the lowest birth rate among OECD members and the proportion of the city population over 65 is expected to reach 23% by 2030. There is a concern this may lead to a reduction in the creation and consumption of cultural and artistic activities.

The Working Week

In 2018 the national government reduced the maximum working hours per week from 68 to 52 hours. This has helped to bring a change in people’s perceptions around work-life balance, and increased demand for culture and arts. According to the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, the average leisure time of Seoul citizens increased by 12% from 2018 to 2020. This increase was threatened due to Covid-19 and the Seoul Metropolitan Government is now considering ways for citizens to enjoy culture more easily in their daily lives.

K-Pop Culture

Recent years have seen huge international interest and demand for Korean culture, with the Oscar-winning film Parasite and hit drama Squid Game, along with the popularity of K-pop music acts. The Seoul Metropolitan Government welcomes this, while also recognising the need to preserve Korea’s distinctive artistic culture, and has published strategies to support more traditional and less commercial forms of Korean music and arts.

Climate Response

In response to the growing climate crisis, in 2022 Seoul will launch ‘Common Use Platform for Performing Equipment’. The city will purchase or donate costumes and props and then rent them free of charge to artists in need, creating the infrastructure to up-cycle and reuse materials.

Images copyright © City of Seoul