YEONGGWANG, South Jeolla Province – At a time when the cost of living is on the rise and the entertainment industry is still navigating a path to full recovery, Yeonggwang County has announced a major initiative to make cultural experiences more accessible to its residents. Starting next week, moviegoers in the region will be able to watch the latest films for as little as 1,000 KRW (approximately $0.75 USD), thanks to a new government-backed discount program.

On Friday, May 8, 2026, Yeonggwang County officials confirmed that the local "Yeonggwang Small Cinema" has been selected for the "National Movie Attendance Vitalization Support Project." This initiative, managed by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and funded by the central government, aims to stimulate domestic consumption and revitalize the regional film market, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.

A Strategic Move for Cultural Equity

The project is backed by a national grant of 44.62 million KRW. Under this scheme, the standard 7,000 KRW ticket price for a 2D film will be subsidized by 6,000 KRW per person. This means any resident, regardless of age, can enjoy a high-quality cinematic experience for the symbolic price of just 1,000 KRW.

"Small cinemas" in South Korea play a crucial role in promoting cultural equity. Unlike major metropolitan areas where multiplexes are abundant, rural and small-town residents often have to travel long distances to see a film. Yeonggwang Small Cinema was established specifically to bridge this gap, providing a modern facility for local residents. By slashing prices to 1,000 KRW, the county is not just offering entertainment but is actively working to reduce the "cultural divide" that often exists between urban and rural populations.

How to Benefit from the Discount

The discount program is scheduled to officially launch on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. County officials have outlined two main ways for residents to secure their discounted tickets:

In-person Ticketing: Residents can purchase tickets directly at the theater's box office. Notably, there is no limit on the number of discounted tickets a single person can buy on-site, making it an ideal option for large families or community groups.
Online Booking: For those who prefer the convenience of digital booking, tickets will be available through the Yeonggwang Small Cinema official website (https://yeonggwang.scinema.kr). Online purchases are limited to two discounted tickets per person to ensure a fair distribution among the populace.
The initiative is operating on a first-come, first-served basis. With the current budget, approximately 7,437 residents will be able to benefit from the subsidy. Given the popularity of similar programs in the past, officials expect the funds to be exhausted quickly.

The Economic and Social Context

This program arrives during the month of May, which is celebrated as "Family Month" in South Korea—a period that includes Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Teachers’ Day.

"We hope that many families will take this opportunity to spend quality time together at the theater during this special month," said a representative from Yeonggwang County. "By encouraging people to visit our local cinema, we are also looking to boost foot traffic in the surrounding commercial areas, providing a secondary benefit to the local economy."

The South Korean film industry has been in a state of flux. While major blockbusters occasionally draw massive crowds, smaller local theaters have struggled with the shift toward Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services and the lingering economic effects of the past few years. Support projects like this one from KOFIC are seen as vital lifelines for independent and regional cinemas, ensuring they remain viable community hubs.

Looking Ahead

Yeonggwang Small Cinema continues to be a focal point for the community’s leisure activities. It currently screens the latest domestic and international releases simultaneously with major Seoul theaters, ensuring that residents do not have to miss out on cultural trends.

As the program kicks off on May 13, the county urges residents to check the theater's website for the latest screening schedules and availability. With "Family Month" in full swing, the 1,000 won cinema initiative is expected to be a highlight of the season, proving that even small-scale cultural welfare can have a significant impact on community happiness and local vitality.