Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government has announced a significant increase in monthly subsidies for residents of the five westernmost islands, collectively known as the West Sea Five Islands. The move is aimed at improving the living conditions and encouraging continued residency in these strategically important areas.
Starting this month, residents of Baengnyeongdo, Daecheongdo, Socheongdo, Yeonpyeongdo, and Soyeonpyeongdo will receive up to a 20% increase in their monthly livelihood support payments. Under the revised guidelines of the West Sea Five Islands Support Special Act, residents who have lived on the islands for less than 10 years will now receive 120,000 won per month, while those who have lived there for 10 years or more will receive 180,000 won.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has been providing monthly subsidies to residents of the West Sea Five Islands since 2011 to support their livelihoods and encourage continued residency in these areas, which play a crucial role in national security. To fund the increased subsidies, the government has allocated an additional 5 billion won in this year's budget.
The government has recognized the importance of the West Sea Five Islands and has been consistently increasing the subsidies since 2021. The latest increase comes after the completion of the first West Sea Five Islands Comprehensive Development Plan, which was implemented following the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island shelling incident.
Second Comprehensive Development Plan
With the first plan now concluded, the government is set to launch the second West Sea Five Islands Comprehensive Development Plan next year. The ministry has already completed a basic research study for the second plan and is currently coordinating with relevant government agencies and local governments. The final plan is expected to be approved by the end of this year.
"The West Sea Five Islands are areas that require special attention and support due to the inconveniences faced by residents as a result of the domestic security situation," said Kim Min-jae, deputy minister of the Interior and Safety. "The government will continue its efforts to create a stable living environment for residents."
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