Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province will implement a marriage incentive program starting in 2026, providing a total of 5 million won to married couples over a period of three years.
The support will be provided in stages: 2 million won immediately after marriage registration, another 2 million won one year later, and 1 million won two years later. This initiative aims to substantially ease the initial settlement costs for newlyweds.
The county views marriage not merely as a personal choice but as an issue linked to the sustainability of the region. This project was launched to create a marriage-friendly environment and alleviate the burdens faced by young people, based on the belief that it is essential to provide a stable foundation at the first stage of life planning, which begins with marriage and extends to childbirth and childrearing.
Eligible recipients are married couples where both spouses are 45 years old or younger. Applications must be submitted within six months from the date of marriage registration. At least one spouse must have maintained resident registration and actual residence in Jeongseon County from one year prior to the marriage registration date until the initial payment application date.
Remarried couples are also eligible to apply; however, those who have previously received the marriage incentive or who have remarried the same individual after divorce are not eligible. Korean nationals must apply within six months of the marriage registration date, while marriage immigrants must apply within six months of their marriage visa issuance date. The second and third payments must also be applied for within three months after each respective eligibility date.
If the requirements for each payment stage are not met, support will be discontinued. Payments will also be suspended if the couple dissolves their marriage (divorce) or fails to meet the residency requirements, such as moving out of Jeongseon County. In cases of false applications or fraudulent receipt of funds, the entire amount will be recovered. If it is later determined that ineligible applicants received support, recovery measures will also be taken.
Starting in 2025, the county will establish a basic implementation plan, complete consultations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding the introduction of the new social security system, enact relevant ordinances, secure budget allocations, and develop detailed execution manuals and delivery systems, with full-scale implementation set for 2026.
The county expects that the marriage incentive will not only reduce the burden of marriage and settlement for newlyweds but also have a positive impact on the local economy, as the funds will be provided in the form of local currency (Wawa Pay). By fostering a family-friendly atmosphere, the initiative is also expected to make a tangible contribution to addressing population decline.
Kim Deokgi, Director of Family Happiness, stated, "We have established practical support so that county residents preparing for marriage do not have to postpone their future due to financial burdens," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Jeongseon County becomes a place where people can confidently build their families."
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