KB Financial Group said on Jan. 28 it will continue operating the “Free Admission Project for Public Museums and Art Galleries Nationwide with KB Financial Group” in the first half of this year, in line with the aim of expanding “Culture Day” and helping people enjoy arts and culture more closely and richly in daily life.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Jan. 20 issued a legislative notice for a revised enforcement decree of the Framework Act on Culture to expand “Culture Day,” which is being implemented to broaden opportunities for cultural enjoyment in daily life, from the last Wednesday of every month to every Wednesday.

KB Financial supports free admission to museums and art galleries for all citizens so cultural experiences are not limited to a few but can spread more widely.

The “KB Free Admission Project,” which KB Financial and the Korea Museum Association have been running together since September last year, supports free access to exhibitions and education and hands-on experience programmes at more than 40 major public museums and art galleries nationwide.

Customers who want free viewing and hands-on experiences can apply easily through KB Star Banking, KB Kookmin Bank’s main financial platform.

Despite the short operating period of 4 months, about 34,000 visitors nationwide visited museums and art galleries through the KB Free Admission Project. From February, it will expand participating institutions and hands-on experience programmes and support not only permanent exhibitions but also special exhibitions to lower barriers to exhibition viewing and help more customers visit arts and culture spaces.

KB Financial Group Chairman Jong-hee Yang (양종희) said, “The greatest value that arts and culture offer us is an essential experience that makes us ask what is important.” He added, “KB Financial has consistently supported the arts and culture field with the belief that the essential resonance left by art broadens society’s sensitivity and enriches daily life.”

Yang added, “Just as KB Financial delivers to customers the value of trust, which is the essence of finance, we will continue to steadily provide various support so the essence contained in arts and culture can reach more people’s daily lives.”

A KB Financial official said, “Going forward, KB Financial will do its best to add various efforts, from supporting emerging artists to free admission to museums and art galleries, so it can become a driving force that enhances our society’s cultural competitiveness.”