"Don't Waste Your Weekend Staring at Your Phone"... Enjoy Cultural Activities with Performance Discounts [Smart Benefits]

220,000 Performance Discount Vouchers to Be Distributed
Seoul Opens ‘Book-Reading at Hangang Park’
‘Korea Reading Festival’ to Be Held in Chuncheon

Editor's Note"The more you know, the more you can see, and the more you can save." We live in an era overflowing with information, yet there are still many things that we pass by unnoticed and unknown. [Smart Benefits] delivers helpful news that can put money in your pocket if you know them, but may lead to losses if you do not.

"The Age of Dopamine Overload"

We are living in an era overflowing with dopamine. From short videos to provocative content, new sources of entertainment pour in ceaselessly. The problem is, the more we encounter strong stimuli repeatedly, the more we seek even stronger stimulation. This is known as the "popcorn brain" phenomenon, where the brain responds only to intense stimulation while becoming dull to ordinary daily life.

According to the "2025 Smartphone Overdependence Survey" released by the Ministry of Science and ICT, 22.7% of smartphone users fell into the at-risk group for overdependence. Additionally, 8 out of 10 respondents recognized themselves as overusing smartphones.

Photo is not directly related to specific content of the article. Photo by Hyun-min Kim

On the other hand, there is a growing movement to distance oneself from digital devices. Increasing numbers of people are practicing digital detox, reducing their use of smartphones and social networking services (SNS). The term "slow dopamine" has also emerged. Unlike the instant pleasure from short-form content, this refers to the long-term satisfaction gained through time and effort, such as reading or exercising.

Engaging in cultural activities such as attending performances, exhibitions, or reading is also a way to step away from rapid stimulation and experience "slow dopamine." If you want to take a break from your smartphone and enjoy cultural activities, there are benefits and events worth noting.

220,000 Performance Discount Vouchers to Be Released ... First-Come, First-Served Every Tuesday

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 1 that 220,000 performance discount vouchers will be distributed by November 30. This project aims to increase opportunities for the public to attend performing arts and to revitalize the stagnating performance market. It is an additional round following the first voucher release in May.

From September 1, the vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis through five online ticketing platforms: Naver Reservation, NOL, Yes24, Time Ticket, and Ticket Link. Each person can receive up to two vouchers per ticketing platform.

Voucher distribution takes place weekly, from 10 a.m. every Tuesday until midnight the following Monday. Unused vouchers during the period will automatically expire.

Eligible performances include plays, musicals, classical concerts, Korean traditional music (gugak), dance, and hybrid performances held until November 30. However, pop music and popular dance performances are excluded. For performances costing less than 10,000 won, vouchers can be applied if the total purchase amount is at least 15,000 won, and the vouchers can also be stacked with discounts offered by the ticketing platforms themselves.

Extra discounts are also available for performances outside the metropolitan area. For shows held in regions excluding Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, individuals can receive two additional vouchers per person from four ticketing platforms: Naver Reservation, Yes24, Time Ticket, and Ticket Link.

For digitally vulnerable groups who are unfamiliar with online reservations, on-site discounts are available at performing arts venues outside the metropolitan area. The on-site discount applies to people aged 55 or over, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, farmers and fishers, and groups comprising elementary, middle, and high school students. A list of participating venues and eligible performances can be found on the Performing Arts Integrated Computer Network website.

Performance Ticket Discount Support Program. Screenshot of the Integrated Performing Arts Information System website

Mild Autumn, Reading at Hangang ... ‘Book-Reading at Hangang Park’ Operates Every Saturday

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 9 that it will operate the second half of the "2026 Book-Reading at Hangang Park" at Yeouido Hangang Park Multipla­za every Saturday from September 12 to October 31. During the Chuseok holiday, it will open only on Sunday, September 27.

‘Book-Reading at Hangang Park’ is an outdoor library where people can enjoy reading, performances, games, and hands-on experiences along the Han River.

The event venue is divided into a reading zone, play zone, and experience zone. The reading zone will provide up to 500 seats, including a mega-mat area, reading benches, and a reflection zone. The play zone features a giant air bounce, a ball pool, and tube rolling activities, while the experience zone will run different programs each week, such as pressed-flower bookmark and sun-catcher making.

Some programs require advance reservations. Detailed schedules and application methods can be checked on the Book-Reading at Hangang Park website and Instagram.

The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

‘Korea Reading Festival’ to Be Held in Chuncheon ... September 18 to 20

The ‘2026 Korea Reading Festival’, the nation’s largest reading culture event, will take place in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Reading Festival brings together publishers, libraries, bookstores, and others for nationwide lectures, performances, hands-on activities, and various events celebrating reading culture.

2026 Korea Reading Festival held in Chuncheon. Screenshot of the Korea Reading Festival official website

The Chuncheon city government announced on September 8 that the main festival, under the theme “Waves of Books, Strolling in Chuncheon (冊),” will run from September 18 to 20 in the areas of the Kim You-jeong Literature Village and the Onui Bridge section of Gongjicheon Trail.

This year’s event will feature 156 programs across nine categories, including opening ceremonies, lectures, book talks, performances, book fairs, hands-on events, exhibitions, and academic discussions. Over 100 booths will be set up for the book fair, with participation from publishers nationwide and local bookstores.

There will also be a digital book experience bus and outdoor library, puppet shows and creative pansori for families, as well as forums and seminars related to publishing and libraries.

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