Uljin's Steadfast Leadership Draws National Attention... Governor Byungbok Son Wins 'Korea Economy Shining Figure' Grand Prize for Second Consecutive Year

Crisis of Regional Decline... Overcoming with the Uljin-Style Welfare System

The leadership that has uplifted the outskirts of Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, has shone once again.

Byungbok Son, Governor of Uljin County, was honored with the Grand Prize in the Regional Economic Development Management category for the second consecutive year at the '2025 Korea Economy Shining Figures & Management' Awards Ceremony, held on November 27 at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul.

Byungbok Son, Governor of Uljin County, was honored with the Grand Prize in the Regional Economic Development Management category for the second consecutive year at the '2025 Korea Economy Shining Figures & Management' Awards Ceremony. Photo by Uljin County

The '2025 Korea Economy Shining Figures & Management' Awards, hosted by Maekyung Media Group, recognizes individuals who have contributed to the development of various fields such as the economy, society, and culture through outstanding leadership and management strategies that drive change and innovation.

▲ Proactive Response to Aging, Transforming into a Working Senior Society

As of the end of October 2025, the proportion of residents aged 65 and older in Uljin County stands at 33.5%, far exceeding the national average of 21% and marking its entry into a super-aged society. In response, Governor Son has focused on expanding job opportunities for seniors under the principle that "the best welfare for the elderly is employment."

As a result, the number of senior job participants increased from 1,275 in 2021 to 2,796 this year. Beyond simply increasing numbers, the county has been recognized for broadening opportunities for social participation among seniors by supporting a diverse and sustainable range of jobs, such as through the Senior Club program.

Living support policies have also been meticulously refined. Seniors aged 70 and above receive a monthly subsidy of 10,000 won for bathing and hairdressing expenses, while senior centers are provided with rice, kimchi, and side dishes every week throughout the year, ensuring warm meals for the elderly. Notably, the side dish support program, launched during the 8th popularly elected administration, operates as a community-based model involving both local food companies and volunteers, transforming senior centers into hubs of care and solidarity rather than just leisure spaces.

Support for veterans' families has also been strengthened to the highest national standards. Starting in 2025, Uljin County has doubled its veterans' allowance.

Customized services for seniors are being expanded as well. After opening the first free laundromat in Pyeonghae-eup in 2023, a second location was launched in the northern region in July this year. The first location provided laundry services for 7,406 blankets throughout 2024, while the second served over 2,000. Additionally, the much-anticipated public bathhouse in Geunnam-myeon opened in August and is now in operation.

▲ Implementing the "Uljin-Style Welfare System" Where No One Is Left Behind

The county is putting into practice the philosophy that "welfare is not just administration, but a part of daily life," and is implementing universal welfare policies that all residents can experience.

Starting in March 2025, rural buses will be free for both residents and tourists, a policy aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving regional accessibility simultaneously.

To build a robust welfare network, the eligibility threshold for the emergency welfare support system has been raised from 75% to 100% of the median income, and the financial asset limit has been set approximately 4 million won higher than the national standard. This "Uljin-style Emergency Welfare Support System" has been implemented with a related budget expanded to 1 billion won as of 2025.

Additionally, the coverage of the county's resident safety insurance has been expanded, and the maximum payout increased to 100 million won. This year, bicycle insurance was newly added, providing even more comprehensive protection for daily life.

To make Uljin a better place to have and raise children, the county provides a monthly allowance of 50,000 won for the first child and 100,000 won for the second and subsequent children in families with more than one child, up to the age of 12. This multi-child family allowance is a key part of Uljin's population policy, aimed at alleviating the practical burden of childcare for parents.

▲ Securing the Sustainability of Welfare: The National Nuclear Hydrogen Industrial Complex as a Key Driver

This award recognizes Governor Son's achievements in establishing the foundation for future industries and spearheading innovation across all areas of county administration by attracting the Uljin National Nuclear Hydrogen Industrial Complex amid the crisis of regional decline.

As a result, after being selected as a candidate site for a national industrial complex in 2023, Uljin County received an exemption from the preliminary feasibility study in 2024 and is now moving swiftly toward approval and public notice of the industrial complex plan by 2026.

The Uljin National Nuclear Hydrogen Industrial Complex is a massive project covering approximately 460,000 pyeong, with a total budget of 387.1 billion won. Six major corporations, including Samsung Engineering & Architecture, Lotte Chemical, and GS Engineering & Construction, have already submitted letters of intent to move in.

The county expects that, once the nuclear industrial complex is completed, it will attract direct investment of 4.2 trillion won and create over 38,000 jobs, establishing Uljin as the leading "K-Energy City" in Korea.

The jobs created by the national industrial complex will stabilize the lives of young and middle-aged residents, while the increased fiscal capacity will provide a stronger foundation for welfare systems supporting children and seniors. The county emphasizes, "The successful establishment of the National Nuclear Hydrogen Industrial Complex is the most certain way to make Uljin the best welfare city in Korea, where all generations can be happy."

Governor Son stated, "This award is the result of pursuing Uljin's transformation and challenges together with all residents. We will successfully establish the National Nuclear Hydrogen Industrial Complex, open up the next 100 years for Uljin, and make Uljin the best welfare city in the country, where everyone from children to seniors can live in safety and happiness."

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