Gyeongsangnam-do will continue to subsidize extra parcel delivery fees for island residents this year, providing up to 200,000 won per person annually.
On March 3, Gyeongnam Province announced that it will again implement the "Island Area Parcel Extra Delivery Fee Support Program" in 2026 to reduce living expenses for island residents and help stabilize livelihoods.
Residents can apply for support for extra parcel delivery fees incurred on or after January 1, 2026. The subsidy amount is 3,000 won per transaction, with an annual maximum of 200,000 won per person.
Eligibility is limited to residents registered in island areas subject to extra delivery charges. Applicants must submit proof of parcel usage to their local town, township, or neighborhood administrative welfare center.
The program applies to all parcels sent or received by island residents, as well as cases where children or acquaintances of island residents make purchases on their behalf and have items delivered to the island.
Children, neighbors, or other acquaintances of island residents may also submit proof and apply for the subsidy on their behalf.
Like mountainous regions, island areas may incur additional costs such as airfare or ferry fees depending on the location. As a result, island residents have faced higher parcel delivery fees compared to those living on the mainland.
Since 2024, Gyeongnam Province has been implementing the Island Area Parcel Extra Delivery Fee Support Program, providing 140 million won in support for approximately 47,000 cases over the past two years.
Lee Sanghun, Director of the Maritime and Fisheries Bureau of Gyeongnam Province, stated, "We hope this program will substantially narrow the gap in parcel service quality, cost, and delivery times between mainland and island areas. We will continue to strive to improve the living conditions of island residents."
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