An additional role for Korean cultural centers overseas will be sought in response to the economic crisis.

In the opening ceremony of the Korean Cultural Center in Moscow, Culture Minister Yu In-chon said overseas Korean cultural centers will work to promote the nation's economic exchanges with other countries.

As part of their roles, the centers will deal with IT and tourism-related affairs as well as culture and art.

The Culture Ministry plans to open Korean cultural centers in Poland, Nigeria and Kazakhstan this year, with the number of cultural centers worldwide expected to increase to 30 by 2012.