Issuance and Use of Munhwa Nuri Card Become More Convenient

Support of 100,000 KRW, 10,000 KRW more than last year... 179.2 billion KRW invested
Users maintaining eligibility will be auto-recharged... New issuance starts next month
Significant expansion of online affiliates for safe cultural activities amid COVID-19

The issuance and use of the 'Munhwa Nuri Card' will become more convenient.

On the 18th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it has improved this card to secure a cultural safety net for the public. It is an integrated cultural voucher that can be used in the fields of arts, travel, and sports. It is issued to basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups (aged 6 and above) to improve the quality of life for marginalized groups and reduce cultural disparities. In fact, in a satisfaction survey conducted last year among users, more than 80% reported experiencing positive effects. According to the industrial linkage analysis by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, last year it generated a production inducement effect of 300 billion KRW and a value-added effect of 149.7 billion KRW. Employment inducement and job creation were recorded at 1,904 and 1,360 people, respectively.

This year, the scope of support will be expanded. The issuance target is 1.77 million basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups aged 6 and above (born on or before December 31, 2015). A total of 179.2 billion KRW will be invested, including 126.1 billion KRW from the lottery fund and 53.1 billion KRW from local government budgets, providing 100,000 KRW each, which is 10,000 KRW more than last year. Users who maintained eligibility last year will have their support funds automatically recharged. Related text messages are scheduled to be sent on the 28th and 29th. Eligibility can be checked on the Munhwa Nuri Card website. Those who are not eligible for recharge or wish to apply for a new card must apply from the 1st to November 30th via the Munhwa Nuri Card website, local community centers nationwide, or the mobile application (app).

The 100,000 KRW support fund must be used within this year. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has greatly expanded online affiliated stores to enable safe cultural activities amid the spread of COVID-19. These include Interpark Books, Aladin, Kyobo Bookstore, Youngpoong Bookstore, Bandi & Lunis, Ridibooks, Millie's Library, Gaettongine, Naver Audio Clip, Audien (all books), KakaoPage, Naver Webtoon (webtoons), Genie Music, Melon, Bugs (music), Netflix, YouTube, Watcha, Tving, Wavve, Naver Series (videos), Naver TV Live, Series On, yes24 Tickets, Melon Tickets, Interpark Tickets (non-face-to-face performances), Homihwabong, Dongnam Pilbang, Yurim Pilbang, Seoryeong Pilbang, Korea Craft & Design Foundation online shop, National Museum Cultural Foundation Mall, Doyak Art, Background Art Weeks (arts), Class101, Wonderwall Class, Bible, Class Talk, Jeonju Craft Exhibition Hall online shop, Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (online cultural experiences), Samchully Bicycle online mall, Seoul National University sports goods, Watergate, 4Lane (sports goods), and more. Elderly people who find online use difficult can use the 'Phone Order Product Guide' composed of items preferred by the elderly, such as Hyo-do Radio.

The usage method has become much more convenient. Last year, Munhwa Nuri Card users found it difficult to identify nearby affiliated stores because they could only check affiliated stores via computer. This year, affiliated stores can be found based on location via the mobile app. Users can also check their balance in real time.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue the 'Rights Remedy Service' implemented last year in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Social Security Information Service. It proactively supports people who are eligible but have not applied for the Munhwa Nuri Card. Last year, 8,383 people benefited from this service. The procedure requiring minors under 14 to obtain consent from their legal guardians will also be simplified. If the legal guardian's residence is unclear, submitting a 'Foster Care Confirmation' will allow foster parents or others to apply.