Gangwon Province Invests 39 Billion KRW in Direct Support for Fishermen... 42% Increase from Last Year

Gangwon Province Strengthens Three Core Support Areas: Tax-Free Fuel, Accommodation for Foreign Workers, and Replacement of Aging Vessels
Focusing on Improving Welfare and Working Conditions in Gangwon's Foundational Industry

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) has allocated a total of 39 billion KRW this year to support fishermen, aiming to improve their living conditions and create a stable fishing environment.

Exterior view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

This represents a 42% increase compared to the previous year, significantly strengthening support focused on livelihood, welfare, and business stability so that fishermen can experience tangible benefits in the field.

First, in consideration of the increasing burden on fishermen due to rising fuel prices and various expenses, the province has set aside a budget of 8.7 billion KRW for livelihood stabilization support, an 8% increase from last year.

Given the fishing industry structure, where fuel costs account for a large portion of operating expenses, support for tax-free fuel for fishing has been continuously expanded from 7 billion KRW in 2023 to 10 billion KRW this year. In addition, the province plans to supplement the income stability of fishermen by running various direct payment programs, including the public-interest direct payment system for fisheries.

Welfare support is also being promoted to address the decline and aging of the fishing workforce. The province will invest 5.4 billion KRW in 17 welfare projects (a 166% increase from last year), focusing on improving living spaces and working conditions for vulnerable groups in the field, such as foreign, female, and disaster-affected fishermen.

Notably, as a result of participating in the 2025 Foreign Crew Welfare Center project, both of the two sites selected nationwide are located in the province, securing a total project budget of 4.8 billion KRW (2.4 billion KRW in national funds and 2.4 billion KRW in provincial funds). As a result, the province will achieve its pledge of six centers (three completed, three in progress) that have been promoted since 2022.

Additionally, to enhance fishing productivity and safety, 12.9 billion KRW will be invested in the modernization of fishing vessel equipment and the provision of fishing gear.

Since 2023, the program to replace aging fishing vessel engines has supported 100% of applications from fishermen, and support for essential consumable gear such as sinkers for octopus longline fishing will also be expanded to reduce the financial burden on small-scale fishermen.

The province is also focusing on expanding convenience facilities and establishing infrastructure to improve the working environment for fishermen. By constructing new fishing gear repair and storage facilities and installing shelters tailored to field conditions, the province aims to create a safer and more efficient working environment, even in adverse weather conditions.

Governor Kim Jin-tae stated, "Fishing is a foundational industry in Gangwon, and we are continuously expanding direct support projects for fishermen, with an investment of 39 billion KRW this year," adding, "We will focus our investments on the three core support areas for fishermen: tax-free fuel, accommodation for foreign workers, and replacement of aging fishing vessels, as well as on improving fishermen's welfare and working conditions."