Gyeongnam Residents Eligible for 100,000 Won Each... Applications for "Resident Living Support Fund" Begin on the 30th

The application process for the "Gyeongnam Provincial Resident Living Support Fund," which Gyeongsangnam-do will provide to all residents in order to alleviate economic hardship caused by high interest rates and inflation in the wake of the Middle East war, will begin on April 30.

On April 21, Governor Park Wansu personally announced at the provincial government press center, "In order to revitalize the local economy suffering from persistent high inflation and high interest rates, we will provide a living support fund to all residents ahead of the government's high oil price subsidy."

Governor Park emphasized, "Protecting the daily lives of residents is the most important duty of a governor," adding, "As promised to the people of Gyeongnam, we will distribute the support fund quickly and accurately, ensuring it can be used without inconvenience."

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is announcing the payment of the 'Gyeongnam Residents' Living Support Fund.'
Photo by Lee Seryeong

All residents of Gyeongsangnam-do are eligible for the support fund, which offers 100,000 won per person without any additional eligibility verification.

The benefit covers all 3.3 million provincial residents, including newborns, foreigners, marriage immigrants, permanent residents, and recognized refugees.

Applications can be made from 9:00 a.m. on April 30 until 6:00 p.m. on June 30, either by visiting the local Eup, Myeon, or Dong community centers in one's registered area, or through the "Gyeongnam Provincial Resident Living Support Fund" online portal.

Applications must be made individually. As of this year, those born on or before December 31, 2007 (aged 19 or older) must apply themselves.

For minors, the head of household may apply on their behalf; however, if a minor is the head of a household with no adult members, they may apply directly.

Online applications via the dedicated portal are available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., except on the first and last day of applications. In Miryang and Yangsan, applications can also be made through the "Kona I" app.

Gyeongnam Provincial Residents’ Living Support Fund Payment Guide Promotional Material. [Image Provided by Gyeongnam Province]

Recipients can choose to receive the support fund in the form of a local gift certificate, prepaid card, or as credits for an NH NongHyup Bank or Gyeongnam Bank credit or debit card.

The support fund can be used at traditional markets, neighborhood retail shops, restaurants, beauty salons, and other small businesses within the recipient's registered address area, as well as at over 110 Hanaro Mart locations in rural towns.

However, department stores, large-scale marts, entertainment venues, and businesses with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won are excluded. Stores where the fund can be used will display signage issued by the province.

The fund must be used by July 31. Any unused amount after this date will expire and be forfeited.

Sign for stores where Gyeongnam Residents' Living Support Fund can be used (left) and promotional flyer for application date 안내. [Image provided by Gyeongnam Province]

For the first two weeks of the program, from April 30 to May 15, Gyeongnam Province will implement an "odd-even" system for online applications based on birth year, and a "day-of-the-week" system for in-person applications, in order to prevent initial congestion and system overload.

In-person application periods may be shortened or extended depending on the circumstances of each city or county. For residents who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise have mobility difficulties, public officials will visit them to assist with applications and registration.

Additionally, call centers will be set up at both the provincial and city/county levels to provide guidance on application procedures, eligible usage locations, and other related details.

The total budget for the support fund is 328.8 billion won, which will be covered entirely by provincial funds without issuing local government bonds.

The province emphasized that it has maintained a sound fiscal policy, reduced unnecessary expenditures by discontinuing projects with low effectiveness or overlapping functions, and as a result, has reduced its debt by 370 billion won compared to 2022, when the 8th popularly elected administration began.

Governor Park stated, "The Resident Living Support Fund is a universal support policy designed entirely by the province, with all steps from initial planning to payment methods and system management being internally developed."

He continued, "In February, we enacted the necessary ordinance. A dedicated task force led by the Vice Governor for Economic Affairs was formed to finalize the payment methods, and the first supplementary budget of the year was allocated entirely from provincial funds. We have thoroughly completed all pre-checks, including developing the online portal and holding meetings with department heads from each city and county, and are fully prepared for the rollout."

Governor Park added, "As all residents can use the support fund immediately upon application without complicated eligibility verification, we expect a rapid positive impact on the local economy. We hope this support fund will provide meaningful help to households, foster warmth among families, and serve as a valuable catalyst for revitalizing the regional economy."

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