'Children, Youth, and Seniors'... Hampyeong County Draws Attention with Life Cycle 'Welfare Package'

Relocation Incentives to Address Housing and Initial Costs
Up to 10 Million Won in Childcare Support and Postpartum Care
Medical and Examination Support for Residents Aged 60 and Over

The crisis of local extinction is no longer a distant concern. While many municipalities in South Jeolla Province are struggling with population decline, Hampyeong County's bold measures to improve living conditions are drawing attention.

Hampyeong County is not simply focused on temporarily attracting people; instead, it is launching the full-scale operation of the "Hampyeong-Style Life Cycle Welfare Package" to help residents of all generations put down roots within Hampyeong.

According to Hampyeong County on January 19, the county is offering a relocation incentive of up to 14 million won to address the biggest concerns of incoming households: housing and initial costs. Rather than providing a lump sum, the payment is made in installments based on the duration of residence, ranging from six to twenty-four months, to effectively encourage long-term settlement.

In addition, for households without homes, the county is providing support for lease deposit interest and a portion of monthly rent (up to 200,000 won per month), easing the financial burden for young adults and new residents.

Top-Level Childcare Support Nationwide

Furthermore, to alleviate the economic burden on families with newborns, the county is offering substantial childcare support, ranging from 3 million won for the first child to up to 10 million won for the fourth child and beyond. Immediately after childbirth, 800,000 won is provided as a lump sum, with the remainder distributed over eleven months to help families manage their finances during the early stages of childcare.

Starting in 2026, the county will increase postpartum care support to 1 million won, taking direct responsibility for the health recovery of mothers. This goes beyond simple cash assistance, embodying the community-centered population philosophy that "children born in Hampyeong are raised together by the county."

Hampyeong’s Solution for an Aging Society

Already classified as a super-aged society, Hampyeong County has redefined elderly welfare not as a mere benefit but as a core asset that enhances the value of the community. The most groundbreaking aspect is the removal of income thresholds for medical support.

All residents aged 60 and over are eligible for support with cataract surgery (up to 600,000 won), knee surgery (up to 2.4 million won), as well as comprehensive assistance for dementia patients, covering examination fees, treatment, and family support under the county’s care. Notably, the transformation of senior centers into health hubs visited by professional medical services has led to tangible welfare benefits, allowing families to share the responsibility of elder care with the county simply by living in Hampyeong.

Although education is generally considered a national responsibility, Hampyeong County believes that building a foundation for nurturing talent is the role of local government. Since 2023, Hampyeong has been the first in the nation to fully cover the actual tuition fees for university students, shifting its identity from a "town people leave due to education costs" to a "region where people stay to study."

This program serves as an economic safeguard against the outflow of local talent. The county shares the burden of university tuition fees, which can reach up to 50 million won for a four-year degree, thereby increasing the effective disposable income of households even amid limited job opportunities and focusing on practical settlement support. Through this, the county is providing young parents with a sense of financial security.

From Out-Migration to In-Migration: A Paradigm Shift in Population Policy

The goal of Hampyeong County is clear: not simply to increase population numbers, but to create a community where the lives of children (birth), youth (education), and seniors (healthcare) are harmoniously integrated.

Hampyeong County Mayor Lee Sangik stated, "The core of the Hampyeong-style population influx model is to ensure that no generation is left behind and that everyone can dream of a future within Hampyeong. We aim to make Hampyeong a place where people do not need to leave their hometown for treatment or education, but instead, a destination that attracts people from across the country."