Busan, South Korea – Busan Metropolitan City has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its policy framework, affecting 59 initiatives across six critical areas. This restructuring, aimed at adapting to the evolving needs of its citizens and the challenging economic conditions, encompasses Economy, Jobs, and Youth; Urban and Transport; Health and Welfare; Women, Childbirth, and Childcare; Safety, Environment, and Hygiene; and Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Economy, Jobs, and Youth:
- Adjustments to support for small businesses, including an increase in cashback from 2% to 3% at Dongbaek Plus affiliated stores.
- An increase in the living wage from 11,074 won to 11,350 won.
- Expansion of youth support policies, extending age eligibility to 39 years.
Urban and Transport Sector:
- From January 1, new regulations will limit the entry of food items in disposable containers on city buses.
Health and Welfare:
- Revised criteria for basic living security recipients and increased financial aid.
- Introduction of new services like the Hospital Safe Companion Service and Post-Discharge Care Service.
- Free lunch provision for low-income disabled individuals at welfare centers.
Women, Childbirth, and Childcare:
- Introduction of the ‘Busan Education Support Points Program for Multi-Children Household’ (a household with two or more children), offering educational assistance to families with multiple children.
- Policies aimed at enhancing support for child-rearing.
Safety, Environment, and Hygiene:
- Extension of Citizen Safety Insurance to include injury diagnosis benefits.
- Enhanced flood control measures in rivers during heavy rainfall.
Culture, Sports, and Tourism:
- The Integrated Culture Voucher, aimed at aiding low-income residents, will see an increase in its annual allocation to 130,000 won.
- Broader accessibility of the Disabled Sports Class Voucher program.
These policy revisions are set to be implemented in 2024, with detailed information available on the Busan City website. Citizens can also reach out to respective divisions for specific inquiries related to these changes.
