Inje County, Gangwon Province, is intensifying its support policies to facilitate the stable settlement and social participation of military families, encompassing education, culture, and community activities. The initiative aims to integrate not only military personnel but also their spouses and children as members of the local community, fostering mutual growth between the military and the region.
According to Inje County on August 27, the county recently amended the "Inje County Ordinance on Promoting Our Military Citizens and Supporting Military Families" to expand the existing support framework, which focused primarily on military personnel, to include their families. This amendment establishes a legal foundation for promoting exchanges between military families and local residents, as well as for cultural, leisure, and sports programs, welfare enhancement projects, and events such as 'Military Family Day.'
The policy focuses on reducing social isolation and limitations on activity opportunities that military families may experience when relocating due to military transfers. It also seeks to connect the experiences, expertise, and talents of spouses to community activities. A notable example is the new "Inje Love Life" lifelong learning support project, which is set to launch this year.
The county will select five learning groups composed of military families and provide funding for instructors, with a total budget of 15 million won, allowing up to 3 million won per group. The program will also introduce a dual approach that accommodates spouses' learning alongside childcare and experiential programs for children, thereby lowering participation burdens. This initiative is scheduled to run from September to December.
Inje County's support will extend beyond mere educational assistance. Plans are in place to enhance community participation for military families and connect their expertise and talents to local opportunities, such as lifelong learning instructors.
Community projects linking military families and residents are already underway. Last year, Inje County operated the 'Military Family Community Support Project' to strengthen social ties between military families and local residents and assist in stable community integration. This year, related projects continue, with the results of the 2026 support project selection announced in July.
These policies align with the community integration framework emphasized by the 9th elected administration of Inje County. County Mayor Choi Sang-ki highlighted in his inaugural address in July the importance of a "unified governance that encompasses all 70,000 residents." His vision aims to enhance regional competitiveness by consolidating local capabilities and connecting living areas and communities in an era of population decline.
This new policy, which views military families not just as relatives of military personnel but as valuable community members and human resources, reflects this governance direction.
On August 25, the county held a meeting at the county office's small conference room attended by County Mayor Choi Sang-ki, relevant officials, and 16 members from the Inje branch of the Gangwon Military Family Association, including Branch Head Shin Hyun-ji. The meeting discussed ways to expand military families' participation in the community, the operation of 'Military Family Day,' and the activation of educational and event programs.
Inje County plans to continue engaging with the Gangwon Military Family Association to incorporate feedback from the field into its policies and to identify additional projects that support the stable settlement and community participation of military families.
Mayor Choi Sang-ki stated, "Military families are precious neighbors who live together in the community and create a community. We will expand practical support to ensure that military families can build new relationships and showcase their experiences and talents in Inje."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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