A programme allowing Incheon residents to attend a concert for just 1,000 won has been introduced, the Kyunghyang Shinmun reported.

Low-priced performance programmes are spreading across local authorities. Raising venue utilisation and widening access to culture are cited together as the aims.

Experience elsewhere shows that lowering the price changes who attends. A rising share of people who do not usually attend concerts, of older residents and of families with children has been reported.

Incheon is among the places where Korea's Chinese community has the longest history. With Chinatown and nearby schools and associations located there, local cultural programmes increasingly include multicultural audiences.

Some note that price is not the only determinant of access. The language of information materials, ease of booking and public transport links must be in place before interest becomes attendance.

Booking arrangements and seating numbers are announced through the city's culture department. Programmes with limited seating often sell out early.

Whether such programmes continue depends on budget continuity. Whether they end as one-off events or become a standing annual series is the dividing line in assessing them.