15 New and Expanded Policies Across 5 Sectors: Strengthening Welfare Safety Nets and Addressing Low Birthrate
Multi-Child Family Criteria Lowered to Two Children, with Tangible Policies Including Rent Support and New Veteran Allowances
Yeongcheon City, led by Mayor Choi Kimoon, is set to expand comprehensive support in 2026 to improve citizens' quality of life and resolve everyday inconveniences.
The city announced that it will implement a total of 15 new and expanded policies across five sectors: childbirth and childcare, welfare, housing, culture, and health.
This policy overhaul focuses on overcoming the low birthrate crisis and strengthening support for vulnerable groups, with particular emphasis on increasing customized benefits tailored to each stage of life.
◆ "A City That Supports Raising Children" ... Lowering the Threshold for Multi-Child Family Benefits
The most notable change is the relaxation of criteria and enhancement of benefits for multi-child families. The existing discount on water and sewage fees, previously available only to households with three or more children, will be expanded to include those with two or more children.
Additionally, for families with two or more children under the age of 10, the city will launch a "Free Vehicle Rental Program for Multi-Child Families," providing free rental of vehicles seating five to twelve people to ease the burden of childcare.
Support for the pre-pregnancy stage will also become more robust.
Prospective and newlywed couples will now receive a "pregnancy preparation kit" in addition to the existing folic acid supplement support, assisting with the early stages of family formation.
◆ Enhanced Welfare and Housing Support ... "From Moving Expenses to Rent"
In the welfare sector, special consideration will be given to national merit recipients and those with limited mobility.
A new longevity congratulatory payment of 200,000 won per year will be introduced for veterans aged 90 and above who receive honorary allowances, and the city will officially launch the "Integrated Medical and Care Support Program," which allows residents to apply for health, medical, and care services all at once.
There will also be bold support measures for housing stability.
For multi-child families moving into the city, a moving expense subsidy of 400,000 won will be provided, and the "Large Home Support Program" will offer up to 4.8 million won per year in loan interest support when purchasing a home.
Furthermore, starting in April, the city will provide public rental housing rent subsidies for young people and newlyweds, effectively reducing their housing costs.
■ Expanded Cultural and Health Benefits to Support a Vibrant Daily Life
Opportunities to enjoy culture will also increase.
The subsidy for the Culture Nuri Card will rise to 150,000 won per person, with an additional 10,000 won provided to teenagers (ages 13-18) and seniors in life transition (ages 60-64).
The Youth Culture and Arts Pass for those aged 19-20 will see its subsidy increased to 200,000 won.
Preventive vaccination support for health promotion will also be significantly strengthened.
The national HPV vaccination program will be expanded to include boys aged 12, and Yeongcheon City will independently support the 9-valent HPV vaccine for unvaccinated individuals aged 13 to 26.
The eligibility for free influenza vaccinations for children will also be extended by one year, now covering up to age 14.
Mayor Choi Kimoon of Yeongcheon City stated, "The new policies for 2026 are designed so that citizens can directly experience changes in their daily lives," adding, "We will continue to discover and implement practical, life-oriented policies that provide real support to our citizens."
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