Ministry of the Interior and Safety Provides 5 Million Won Support to Fire-Damaged Shops in Seocheon Market... Utility Fee Reduction

Support Equivalent to Special Disaster Area Declaration Without Official Proclamation

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 28th that it will provide support equivalent to the declaration of a special disaster area, including reductions in living expenses, to the victims of the fire at the Seocheon Special Market in Chungnam.

Minister of the Interior and Safety, Lee Sang-min. [Photo by Yonhap News]

This support plan includes 38 items such as direct support for victims, tax and financial support, reductions in insurance premiums and living expenses, and public support services. Victims will receive emergency disaster relief funds of 2 million won per damaged store and 3 million won in small business livelihood stabilization support as urgent aid. In addition, the ministry will work with local governments to prepare livelihood support measures and raise donations with organizations such as the Chungnam Community Chest of Korea. Furthermore, emergency management stabilization funds will be provided, special guarantees for disaster-affected small business owners, extensions of existing loan maturities and repayment deferrals, as well as reductions and deferrals of national and local taxes will be promoted.

From the time the temporary permanent market is established, for three months, when using local love gift certificates at stores affiliated with the Seocheon Special Market affected merchants, the discount rate will be increased from the existing 10% to 20%, and the additional cost due to the increased discount rate will be fully supported by national funds. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety provided 2 billion won in special grants on the 25th for emergency recovery such as debris removal, and is also considering additional special grants necessary for the reconstruction of the Seocheon Special Market.

Minister of the Interior and Safety, Sang-min Lee, said, "I extend my condolences to those who suffered great damage due to the fire just before the busy season ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday," and added, "We will do our best to provide administrative and financial support so that the victims can return to their daily lives as soon as possible."