Hwasun-gun Reduces 'River Occupancy Fees' by 25% to Revitalize Livelihood Economy

Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gu Bok-gyu) announced on the 24th that it will impose a 25% reduction on river occupancy fees for 2024.

This initiative was promoted to alleviate the economic burden on individuals and private business operators who are struggling due to the prolonged economic recession.

The ‘25% Reduction Policy on River Occupancy Fees’ was first implemented in 2020 to support small business owners whose income sharply declined due to the spread of COVID-19, and this year marks its 5th year. From 2020 to 2023, a total of 4,932,000 KRW (273 cases) was reduced.

This year as well, it is expected to provide economic support amounting to 1,287,000 KRW through reductions on 89 cases of river occupancy fees.

In the first half of this year, the 25% reduced river occupancy fees will be imposed on permit holders.

‘River occupancy fees’ are charges imposed on individuals, cultivators, or private business operators who use land within river zones with permission from the river management authority. The fees are calculated based on the purpose and area of occupancy and are collected once a year.

Hwasun-gun decided to implement this reduction based on Article 37 (Collection and Reduction of Occupancy Fees, etc.) of the ‘River Act,’ judging the current economic downturn as a ‘special circumstance preventing the achievement of the occupancy purpose.’

A county official stated, “The implementation of this river occupancy fee reduction is expected to help the prompt normalization of management for our small business owners, overcome economic hardships, and revitalize the local economy.”