124 Policies Across 7 Sectors Including Economy, Agriculture, Culture, and Welfare
Jeonbuk Province will implement a large-scale overhaul of policies and systems closely related to the lives of its residents starting in 2026.
Jeonbuk Province will implement a large-scale overhaul of policies and systems closely related to the lives of its residents starting in 2026. Provided by Jeonbuk Province
According to the province on the 31st, this policy package consists of 124 items across seven sectors, including economy, agriculture, culture, welfare, environment, housing, and administration. The measures are meticulously designed for each sector so that every resident of Jeonbuk can experience tangible changes in their daily lives.
In the economic and industrial sector, the most notable initiative is the Flexible Work Program for Middle-Aged and Older Workers. Companies that hire people in their 50s or older under a flexible work schedule of 24 to 35 hours per week will receive 400,000 KRW per person per month as operating expenses. The policy aims to utilize the experience of middle-aged workers while reducing the burden on companies.
The province will also support the issuance of the Hope Savings Account for small business owners. Self-employed individuals with a credit rating of 7 or higher can receive a guaranteed overdraft account of up to 20 million KRW, helping to lower reliance on high-interest loans and secure emergency operating funds.
In the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sector, a pilot project for basic income in rural and fishing villages will be launched. All residents of Sunchang and Jangsu will receive 150,000 KRW per month in local currency, aiming to counter population decline and provide a stable foundation for residents' livelihoods.
A new system has also been introduced in which local governments purchase expensive fishing equipment and rent it to local fishermen for short periods. Centered on Gunsan and Buan, this program will allow fishermen to rent costly equipment needed for production and shipment of seafood at affordable rates, alleviating the financial burden of equipment purchases.
In the culture, sports, and tourism sector, the "K-Art Youth Creator Support Program" will be newly established. One hundred artists under the age of 39 in the province will receive 9 million KRW per year to support their creative activities.
To ensure cultural access for the underprivileged, the subsidy for the Culture Nuri Card (Integrated Culture Voucher) will be increased to 150,000 KRW per person per year (up from 140,000 KRW). Approximately 140,000 basic livelihood security recipients and low-income residents in the province will benefit from this increase.
In the welfare, health, and safety sector, a new "Jeonbuk Youth One-Person Small Business Owner and Farmer/Fisher Birth Allowance" system will be introduced. One-person small business owners or farmers/fishers aged 18 to 39 will receive 900,000 KRW for their own childbirth and 800,000 KRW for their spouse's childbirth, helping to mitigate business interruptions and support child-rearing.
In the environment and forestry sector, the subsidy program for transitioning to electric vehicles will be expanded. When scrapping an internal combustion engine vehicle and purchasing an electric vehicle, an additional 1.3 million KRW will be provided on top of the existing electric vehicle purchase subsidy.
In construction and transportation, newlywed couples and young people will be eligible for support covering up to 1.5 million KRW per year in interest on private rental housing loans for two years. Previously, this support was limited to newlyweds only.
In administration and resident life, measures include "expanded tax support for home purchases in areas with declining populations," "increased acquisition tax support for unsold apartments after local completion," and "extension and expansion of acquisition tax reductions for first-time homebuyers."
The province has focused on making the changes in 2026 tangible for residents. To help residents easily understand these changes, a booklet titled "This Is How Things Will Change Starting in 2026" will be produced and distributed to civil service offices in cities and counties. In addition, the information will be posted on the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province website so that all residents can access it.
Lee Hyunseo, Director of Planning for Jeonbuk Province, stated, "The policies being implemented this time are practical measures that will bring real changes close to the lives of our residents," adding, "As a local government that knows its residents best, Jeonbuk will do its utmost to realize everyday changes and happiness."
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