Candidate Hwang Sang-mu, "A Happy Gangwon Province for Fishermen"… Fishermen Support Pledge

Support for Replacement of Aged Fishing Vessels and Interest Subsidies on Construction Loans
Creation of Complex Spaces in Fishing Villages and Harbors and Introduction of Fishermen's Safety Insurance

In the early morning of the 5th, Hwang Sang-mu, the preliminary candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province from the People Power Party, greets fishermen at Jumunjin Port.

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Hwang Sang-mu, a preliminary candidate for governor of Gangwon Province from the People Power Party, announced support measures for fishermen, stating that he will "create a Gangwon Province where fishermen can live happily."

On the early morning of the 5th, Hwang Sang-mu met with fishermen departing from Jumunjin Port, the largest fishing forward base on the East Coast, and stated, "I will focus on developing Jumunjin Port as a harbor where tourism and fishing coexist."

Hwang pointed out, "Vessels over 16 years old account for 48% of the total fishing fleet, seriously threatening the safety of the crew."

He promised, "To prevent fishing vessel accidents and improve the marine environment, I will support 70% of the interest on replacement loans for fishing vessels under 10 tons that are over 15 years old."

He also stated his intention to support equipment to improve fishing capabilities and safety for each vessel up to a limit of 15 million KRW, and to prioritize the conversion of 20 idle fishing village facilities into complex fishing village harbor spaces.

Hwang also pledged, "Based on various resources of fishing villages such as cafes and fish markets, I will promote complex industrialization and establish fishing village tourism infrastructure including complex cultural spaces, exhibition halls, performance venues, and experience centers."

To resolve conflicts between leisure fishing vessels and livelihood fishermen, he plans to promote the enactment of regulations guaranteeing the livelihoods of livelihood fishermen, increase the subscription rate of fishermen's safety insurance to 60%, and reduce the self-payment ratio to below 20%.

Additionally, he promised to double the current support for 'fuel costs for coastal fishing vessels' and to provide uninterrupted support for new squid fishing grounds development fees even if access to Russian fishing grounds is restricted.

Hwang then visited Gangneung Jungang Market with actress Jeon Won-joo to meet and comfort market merchants struggling due to COVID-19 and listen to their difficulties.