As South Korea unveils an ambitious blueprint to transform its cultural sector into a primary economic driver, policymakers in Iran may find valuable lessons in their Asian counterpart's strategy.
In a recent policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism outlined plans to attract 40 million annual foreign visitors, up from 23 million expected this year. The vision, framed as "revitalizing regions and expanding into the world with K-culture, sports, and tourism," offers compelling parallels for Iran, a nation rich in heritage but struggling to fully capitalize on its cultural assets.
Learning From Korea's Creative Industries Push
South Korea plans to intensively foster content industries including publishing, music, games, and film as future economic pillars. The strategy includes expanding financial support through loans and guarantees, increasing investment in intellectual properties for global markets, and finalizing a "holdback" system requiring waiting periods between theatrical releases and streaming debuts.
For Iran, with its deep cinematic history and literary traditions, the Korean approach offers a template. Tehran could develop similar support mechanisms for domestic film and music industries, using a holdback system to protect local cinemas from international streaming competition, thereby preserving its unique cultural narrative and creative talent.
Building Infrastructure to Welcome the World
To achieve its visitor targets, Seoul is planning significant upgrades to airports, ports, lodging facilities, and visa systems. A major component involves developing regional tourism products beyond the capital, including plans for two large multipurpose domed stadiums.
Iran's historical sites and diverse climates are undeniable tourist draws, yet the sector often struggles with infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles. South Korea's focus on easing visa rules and developing regional hubs provides a tangible model. Iran could invest in specialized tourism around historic cities like Isfahan and Shiraz, while upgrading hospitality infrastructure. Modernizing facilities to host international cultural festivals could showcase Iran's non-oil economic potential.
Supporting Artists and Spreading Development
The Korean ministry has committed to improving working conditions for artists, ensuring access to social insurance and financial assistance. It is also shifting away from traditional public contest funding toward wider support measures, while emphasizing development beyond Seoul by expanding cultural facilities and deploying specialists regionally.
Many Iranian artists face similar economic precarity. The Korean model of providing social insurance and varied financial support could serve as a blueprint. Moreover, the policy of decentralizing cultural infrastructure beyond Tehran resonates deeply. While the capital is a cultural hub, cities like Tabriz, Mashhad, and Shiraz possess distinct identities that could be developed as regional cultural capitals, spurring local economies and distributing tourism revenue more equitably.
What Iran Can Take Away
South Korea's plan is a comprehensive strategy to use culture, sports, and tourism as pillars of national prosperity. While Iran operates within its own geopolitical context, the core principles of investing in creative industries, supporting artists, modernizing infrastructure, and decentralizing development are universally applicable.
Iran possesses unparalleled cultural wealth, from ancient Persian civilization to contemporary artistic expression. By adapting elements of the Korean model, Tehran could foster economic growth, improve international standing, and create a more vibrant society for its citizens.
The challenge lies not in lacking cultural assets, but in developing the institutional frameworks and political will to unlock their potential.
As South Korea demonstrates, culture is not merely soft power—it is hard economics.
