The Seoul government will spend $3.1 billion over the next four years in a bid to establish the Korean city as a cultural and artistic hub to rival Tokyo and Paris. Its ‘Vision 2030 Cultural Seoul’ planning document includes provision for 1,000 artists apartments and over 3000 exhibits and performances, in addition to the creation of at least five new arts centres, including a concert hall and art museum, by 2020. The city is even considering a ‘cultural holiday system’ which will allow its citizens to reduce their working hours to enjoy the city’s new cultural and artistic identity.