Minister Cho Seung-hwan Approaching Retirement: "Policy for Securing National Seafarers Established... Major Achievements This Year"

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Cho Seung-hwan cited the formulation of policies to secure national seafarers as a major achievement in his final year before stepping down.

At a press briefing held in Sejong City on the 21st, Minister Cho stated, "We announced a job innovation plan focused on expanding paid leave and improving onboard internet usage environments to strengthen national seafarers."

Specifically, the leave cycle was shortened from 6 months to 4 months, and the number of paid leave days per month of boarding was increased from the current 8 days to 10 days. Additionally, a high-speed onboard internet environment will begin service next year.

The tax-exempt range for foreign voyage seafarers' earned income was also expanded for the first time in 10 years. The tax-exempt monthly limit, which has been 3 million KRW from 2013 to this year, will be increased to 5 million KRW starting next year. This is expected to result in an effective monthly income increase of 300,000 to 500,000 KRW.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Cho also presented the establishment of advanced fisheries measures as a key achievement. The core of the fisheries advancement plan is to simplify the current regulation-focused fisheries management system as much as possible and transition to a catch-based fisheries management system (TAC) that aligns with global standards and is science-based.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to reduce the current 1,500 regulations by half by 2027, including easing closed seasons and prohibited sizes.

Minister Cho also highlighted other major achievements of the ministry this year, including △coastal transportation innovation measures △introduction of direct payment systems for small-scale fishing households and crew △completion of major infrastructure in the first phase of the Busan Port North Port redevelopment △development of the Jinhae New Port Smart Mega Port △and establishment of an eco-friendly ship fuel supply network.

Minister Cho, who is from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, took office as the 22nd minister on May 22 and served for 1 year and 7 months before being included in the cabinet reshuffle announced by President Yoon Seok-yeol, which affected six ministries.

Minister Cho is known to plan to run in next year's general election in his hometown, the Busan area.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.