Discounts on tickets for the performing arts, movie theaters and sporting events will be resumed from Oct. 22. The photo above is of visitors on July 20 at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul practicing social distancing. (Korea.net DB)

By Kim Hyelin and Lee Jihae

Discounts on admission to museums, movie theaters and concerts will be resumed this week under a government-sponsored program.

The program was ceased more than two months ago on Aug. 15 due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. With the figure recently dropping to below 100, the social distancing level on Oct. 12 was eased from 2 to 1, and the discounts were resumed accordingly.

The benefits will be resumed on Oct. 22 for performing arts, movie theaters and sporting events deemed safe and manageable for quarantine. Reduced prices for accommodations, travel and dining out will be determined later after consideration of the COVID-19 status.

In a regular briefing on the pandemic by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Oct. 18 at Government Complex-Seoul, Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neunghoo announced details of the resumed consumer discounts. 

"We are cautiously resuming the suspended project for discount support to help the stagnant consumer economy recover and aid industries hit hard by stronger social distancing," he said.

From Oct. 22, a discount of 40% off museum admission (up to KRW 3,000) is available through online reservations, with one person able to buy up to five discounted tickets. Discounted entry to art exhibitions offers savings of KRW 1,000-3,000 on each ticket depending on if purchases are made online (up to four tickets per person) or offline (up to six). The discounts for offline tickets will take effect on Oct. 27. 

Reservations for performing arts can be made on eight online platforms including Naver, Melon, Auction and Interpark. One person can get up to KRW 8,000 off per ticket and purchase up to four. The discount period for these tickets begins on Oct. 24.

Discounts at movie theaters start from Oct. 28. One person can get up to KRW 6,000 discount off for a ticket purchased on a theater's online platform and buy admission for up to two people. These tickets can be used from Oct. 30.

Those using sports or athletic facilities can get a rebate of KRW 30,000 from Nov. 2-30 if they spend KRW 80,000 or more there.

kimhyelin211@korea.kr