Wanju County in North Jeolla Province will provide a 'Living Support Fund' to assist residents facing difficulties due to high oil prices, exchange rates, and inflation, while also revitalizing the local economy.
According to the county on August 3, the support fund will be distributed to residents registered in Wanju County as of July 31, 2026, including marriage immigrants and permanent residents, with each person receiving 300,000 won.
The application and distribution period will run from September 8 to October 30.
To reduce congestion and ensure prompt distribution, a concentrated payment period will be implemented from September 8 to 13.
Applications and payments will be processed at administrative welfare centers and civil service centers, with funds provided via prepaid cards. During the concentrated payment period, distributions will also occur at senior centers.
Residents can receive the funds immediately by visiting with an identification card, while family members can submit necessary documents, such as a power of attorney, to collect on behalf of others.
The prepaid cards will be valid for use until December 31 and must be used within Wanju County. However, they cannot be used in certain sectors, such as entertainment and gambling.
The county expects that the distribution of the living support funds will stimulate local consumption and increase sales for small businesses and self-employed individuals, leading to a rapid recovery of the local economy.
To ensure residents can access the funds without inconvenience, the county plans to conduct extensive promotions starting in August through its website, social media, village broadcasts, promotional materials, and banners, while collaborating with local administrative units to prepare for the distribution.
Wanju County Mayor Yoo Hee-tae stated, "I hope the Living Support Fund will alleviate the financial burden on residents and invigorate the local economy. We will do our utmost to ensure that all residents can receive the funds without any inconvenience and that it will contribute to the recovery of the local economy."
Yoo, who was re-elected in the June 3 local elections, promised to distribute 300,000 won in living support funds to all residents before the holidays as part of his campaign pledge, with a total of 1 million won in support funds to be distributed during his term.
Public Recruitment for Bibi Jeong Art Train Operators
Wanju County is publicly recruiting capable private operators to run the 'Bibi Jeong Art Train,' a representative local tourist attraction.
According to the county on August 3, the bidding will be conducted electronically through the Korea Asset Management Corporation's online asset disposal system (Onbid), with the deadline set for 5 p.m. on August 14.
The Bibi Jeong Art Train, located in Samnye-eup, is a restaurant converted from Saemaul-ho train cars that ceased operation in 2011.
The bidding includes three remodeled train cars and a kitchen, covering a total area of 303 square meters.
The designated business types are first and second-class neighborhood living facilities, and the successful bidder will operate a general restaurant, snack bar, or café, highlighting the facility's unique characteristics.
The selection method will be based on the highest bid exceeding the estimated price.
The bid opening will take place at 10 a.m. on August 18 at the Wanju County Cultural and Historical Department.
This bidding process is attracting significant interest from prospective entrepreneurs, as the Mankyeonggang Fish Trail, a collaborative project between Jeonju and Wanju, is set to be completed near Bibi Jeong by August 31.
The Mankyeonggang Fish Trail will feature a 405-meter walking path and observation area on top of the old Mankyeonggang railway bridge, while Jeonju City will install essential infrastructure, including parking lots and access roads in the Hwajeon-dong area.
The county anticipates that the opening of the new landmark, the Fish Trail, will connect surrounding tourist routes and significantly increase visitor numbers, providing a strong opportunity for the new operator of the Bibi Jeong Art Train.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.