The Ministry of the Interior and Safety noted on the 14th that the living support funds paid monthly to residents of the five West Sea islands will increase by up to 20% starting this month.
Accordingly, those who have lived in the West Sea five islands for less than 10 years will receive 120,000 won monthly starting this month, and those who have resided there for more than 10 years will receive 180,000 won. This is an increase of 20,000 won for everyone compared to the previous amounts.
The five West Sea islands include Baengnyeongdo, Daecheongdo, Socheongdo, Yeonpyeongdo, and Soyeonpyeongdo, located at the northernmost part of Incheon Ongjin County. Since 2011, the government has been providing monthly living support funds to residents of these islands through the "Special Act on Support for the Five West Sea Islands" and the "Guidelines for Supporting Living Support Funds for the Five West Sea Islands." This initiative aims to help residents continue living in these islands considering their military and security significance.
To increase the living support funds this year, the government has allocated a budget of 7.2 billion won for 2025, an increase of 500 million won from the previous year.
Deputy Minister Kim Min-jae said, "The five West Sea islands are an area that requires special attention and support due to significant inconveniences for residents arising from domestic security situations," and noted, "We will continue efforts to create a stable living environment for the residents."