Gangwon Province Takes Responsibility for Firefighters from Appointment to Retirement...Nation's First Lifelong Support Program

Communication Meeting with Over 40 Firefighters at Provincial Office Cafe
“A Warm Cup of Tea” Shared in Open Dialogue
Comprehensive Welfare Roadmap for Firefighters Launched

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) held a welfare policy communication meeting with about 40 on-site firefighters at the Dalbit Cafe in the provincial government office on April 8, 2026.

Jintae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Province, held a communication meeting on welfare policies with about 40 on-site firefighters at the Dalbit Cafe in the provincial office on the 8th. Provided by Gangwon Province

This meeting departed from the conventional, standardized reporting format and was instead conducted as a warm, interactive forum to directly hear about the challenges faced on-site and to exchange opinions.

During the meeting, Governor Kim stated, "Although we have worked to improve the welfare of firefighters who dedicate themselves to the safety of our residents, it is still insufficient compared to the hardships you endure in the field," expressing agreement on the need to further expand tangible, practical welfare policies.

The province will fully implement a comprehensive health and welfare roadmap covering the entire career lifecycle of firefighters, from before appointment through to retirement and beyond, to support those who protect the lives of residents.

First, by raising the allowance for snacks during dispatches to the highest level in the country, the province will support the rapid physical recovery of firefighters after demanding field operations. In addition, the long-awaited installation of exhaust emission systems in fire station garages—a project firefighters have requested for ten years—will be completed at 100% of all fire stations in the province by 2026.

Furthermore, the province plans to significantly increase the budget for operating canteens at the center level to establish a stable meal environment at every fire station in Gangwon Province. Recently, the province also promoted the enactment of an ordinance supporting special health checkups for retired firefighters, aiming to help them manage their health after retirement. As a result, retired firefighters will receive annual support for special health checkup expenses for ten years after retirement to enable early detection of job-related diseases.

Jin Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Province, held a welfare policy communication meeting with about 40 on-site firefighters at the Dalbit Cafe in the provincial government building on the 8th. Provided by Gangwon Province

Additionally, Gangwon Province will be the first in the country to implement a lifelong mental health roadmap. The province will introduce a proactive PTSD prevention program for new recruits before appointment to enhance psychological resilience to traumatic field experiences. While in service, the number of mental health counselors will be expanded to the largest scale ever to address counseling blind spots and establish a continuous management system.

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