Gumi City Significantly Strengthens Welfare for National Merit Recipients

Veterans’ Honor Allowance Increased by 50%
Monthly Allowance Raised from 100,000 to 150,000 Won
Benefits Expanded to Over 1,900 Recipients
Increased Support for Veterans’ Organizations
Enhanced Practical Assistance Including Patient Transportation and Security Education
Continued Daily Life-Oriented Veterans’ Policies Such as Parking and Fee Reductions

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is further strengthening its recognition and support for national merit recipients who have dedicated themselves to the country. Starting this year, the city will increase the veterans’ honor allowance by 50% and expand the range of beneficiaries, allowing more than 1,900 individuals to receive benefits.

This year, the city has allocated a budget of 3.311 billion won to raise the monthly veterans’ honor allowance for national merit recipients, special mission merit recipients, and May 18 Democratization Movement merit recipients from 100,000 won to 150,000 won. The increase amounts to 50,000 won, representing a 50% rise compared to the previous amount. In addition, the city has broadened the scope of support by newly including about 60 individuals, such as compensation recipients and patients suffering from Agent Orange aftereffects.

Photo of Gumi City Hall Exterior

The city has also strengthened support for veterans’ organizations to improve the welfare and pride of national merit recipients and their families. The city has allocated 375 million won for the operation and project expenses of 10 veterans’ organizations, which is an increase of 62 million won compared to the previous year. Operating expenses will be increased differentially for each organization according to the number of members, and activities such as visits to historic sites, security education, and overseas tours of sites related to national merit will be promoted.

Additionally, the city will newly provide a group vehicle for patient transportation to the Agent Orange Veterans Association and expand the priority parking zones for national merit recipients, which were first established last year. This is aimed at expanding recognition and support that can be felt in daily life.

Gumi City Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We are gradually implementing policies so that recognition for national merit recipients can be experienced in daily life. We hope that this increase in allowances and expanded support will provide practical help on the ground."

Meanwhile, Gumi City also operates various other veterans’ policies, including a monthly honor allowance of 280,000 to 300,000 won for war veterans, a condolence payment of 300,000 won upon the death of a merit recipient, discounts on water utility fees, reduced parking fees at public parking lots, and the provision of consolation gifts during Patriots and Veterans Month.