Gapyeong County Strengthens Recognition for National Merit Recipients... Now Includes May 18 and Special Mission Honorees

Gapyeong County Significantly Expands Eligibility for Merit Allowances Starting This Year

Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province will further strengthen its recognition and support for national merit recipients starting this year. On January 5, the county announced that it has revised the "Ordinance on Recognition and Support for National Merit Recipients in Gapyeong County," expanding the eligibility for various merit allowances.

Aerial view of Gapyeong County Office. Provided by Gapyeong County

The core of this revision is the expansion of support recipients from mainly national merit awardees to a broader range of individuals eligible for national recognition. As a result, special mission merit recipients, those recognized for their contributions to the May 18 Democratization Movement, and those eligible for merit compensation, who were previously excluded, are now newly included. This broadens the scope of recipients and their families who can receive merit allowances.

Through this revision, the county has clarified the eligibility requirements and streamlined the application procedures. This is expected to improve accessibility to the system and ensure that recipients receive more systematic support by refining the overall framework.

The revised ordinance was passed by the Gapyeong County Council last year, promulgated on December 31, 2025, and took effect immediately. The county expects that with this amendment, more merit recipients will be able to enjoy the benefits of improved welfare and greater stability in their daily lives.

A county official stated, "Gapyeong County values the contributions of each and every merit recipient," adding, "With this ordinance revision, we will continue to improve the system so that more families of merit recipients can receive practical support."