Shinan County and Ulleung County have agreed to jointly respond to the need for amendments to special laws and institutional improvements aimed at sustainable development and enhancing living conditions for residents in outer islands.
On August 6, ahead of the 7th Island Day event in Yeosu, Shinan County Mayor Kim Tae-seong and Ulleung County Mayor Nam Han-gwon held a meeting to discuss collaborative measures for the development of outer islands and expanding support for residents.
The meeting was prompted by a shared recognition that, despite the implementation of the "Special Law for Supporting Remote Islands such as Ulleungdo and Heuksando," there is insufficient tangible support for residents, including cash assistance and tax benefits. The aim was to devise institutional improvements.
The two local governments agreed to work together to incorporate support measures directly related to residents' lives into the law to enhance its effectiveness.
Key areas of collaboration include the establishment of a living support allowance, introduction of tax benefits, expansion of support for living, medical, and logistics services, and the enhancement of national subsidized routes. Both sides plan to strengthen cooperation by jointly petitioning the government and the National Assembly to improve living conditions for residents of outer islands.
Additionally, they reached a consensus on the necessity of establishing a 'Special Self-Governing Islands' administrative system that reflects the unique characteristics of island regions.
The local governments expect that the introduction of a special self-governing body will help create an administrative system tailored to the characteristics of island areas, with expanded autonomy and financial benefits, facilitating the implementation of region-specific policies.
Kim Tae-seong, Mayor of Shinan County, stated, "Island areas are crucial spaces for protecting South Korea's maritime territory. We will continue to collaborate with Ulleung County to create an environment where island residents can live stably and work together on institutional improvements."
Shinan County plans to continue its collaboration with Ulleung County to promote sustainable development in outer islands, enhance residents' quality of life, and strengthen maritime territory management through institutional improvements.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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