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The Republic of Korea has enacted several acts of legislation to promote culture and the arts, such as the Performing Arts Act (1961), the Culture and Arts Promotion Act (1972), the Film Promotion Act (1995), and the Film Arts Promotion Act (1996), among others.

The Culture and Arts Promotion Act provided for the establishment of the Culture and Arts Promotion Fund, its management organization, and the development and diffusion of the Korean language.

Based on the aforementioned arts legislation, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism makes efforts to ensure that the Korean people enjoy their cultural rights and to promote Korean culture. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has its own subordinate organizations, which include the Academy of Arts Office, the National Academy of Korean Language, the National Central Theatre, the National Modern Art Gallery, the National Academy of Music, and the National Folk Museum.

The Korean national budget for culture for 1997 was 437.3 billion won (41.54 billion yen). This comprised 0.62 percent of the entire Korean governmental budget.

The Culture and Arts Promotion Act, enacted in 1972, enabled the establishment of the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation. The Foundation funds research on a national level, and sponsors creative activities in fine arts, photography, film, traditional music, theatrical performance, Terpsichorean art, literature, and publishing. It is also responsible for fund-raising activities and the management of the Culture and Arts Promotion Fund.

The amount of funds allocated to the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation in 1997 totaled 51 billion won (approximately 4.85 billion yen), out of which the Foundation provided subsidies to professional artists and arts organizations.

The Republic of Korea's Traditional Performing Arts: Performance by the Korean National Terpsichorean Art Company

In the private sector, the Korean Business Council for the Arts (KBCA) was established in 1994. This Council depends primarily on financial support from its corporate members. It not only implements its own cultural activities, but also assists with the establishment of cultural centers and museums, and supports creative activities such as music, theatrical performances, Terpsichorean art, and literature.

World Heritage: Sokkuram Grotto and Pulguksa Temple Tabotap Pagoda (right) and Seokgatap Pagoda (left)