Impact of COVID-19... Online Cultural Activities Doubled in the First Half of the Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), outdoor activities have been restricted, resulting in approximately double the amount of online cultural activities in the first half of this year.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 8th, an analysis of the use of Munhwa Nuri Card affiliated stores during the "social and everyday distancing" period (February 1 to June 5) showed that the total usage amount was about 51.3 billion KRW, which is about 5% less than the same period last year (54 billion KRW). On the other hand, the online usage ratio increased to 12.6% (about 290,000 cases), which is twice the 6.4% (about 190,000 cases) of the same period last year.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism evaluated this as "a result of the combined effect of the usual restraint on outdoor activities and government-level support for non-face-to-face cultural activities." To prepare for the contraction of cultural activities due to COVID-19, the ministry discovered additional online affiliated stores capable of non-face-to-face cultural activities and held a series of events introducing online affiliated stores by category from March 12 to May 5.

Also, considering that face-to-face cultural activities are still difficult due to COVID-19, the second event of "Wise Munhwa Nuri Card Life at Home" will be held until July 31. This event provides various contents and benefits, including "home cheering for professional soccer and baseball," supporting physical and mental health and safe cultural life. Detailed information can be found on the Munhwa Nuri Card website and the official Munhwa Nuri Card blog.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.