The Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced on September 2 that it has proposed a budget of 7.22 trillion won for 2027. This represents an 8.0% increase of 532 billion won compared to the 6.68 trillion won budget for 2026, focusing on significantly enhancing the treatment of national merit recipients and improving access to veteran medical and welfare services.
The ministry plans to use the increased budget to prioritize initiatives such as raising and expanding compensation, improving access to veteran medical services, transforming national cemeteries, realizing a global K-veteran initiative, and developing cultural projects in collaboration with the public.
A notable aspect of the budget is the strengthened support for veterans. The proposed budget raises the monthly allowance for veterans from 490,000 won to 540,000 won. Additionally, compensation for surviving patriots and the families of independence activists will increase by 5.0% and 3.0%, respectively. The compensation for those with a 7th grade disability and the new child allowance for the Korean War will also rise by 3.5% and 8.7%, respectively, to help close the compensation gap.
The safety net for medical and welfare services for veterans will also expand. The number of designated hospitals for veterans will increase from 1,200 to 1,400, allowing veterans to receive care closer to home, and the age limit for hospital support will be lowered from 75 to 65.
Infrastructure investments will be made to enhance burial capacity and promote veteran culture. A committee will be established to redesign the Hyochang Park area into a national park that coexists with daily life, culture, and veteran affairs by 2029, and eco-friendly elements and safety management will be strengthened at 12 national cemeteries across the country.
To realize the global K-veteran initiative, an organizing committee will be launched for the 2029 World Disabled Veterans Sports Games, the first of its kind in Asia, and the scale of invitations for UN veterans will be increased by 1.5 times compared to previous years. A specialized research team will also be established to investigate the status of overseas independence activists' graves and facilitate the repatriation of remains.
Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Veterans Affairs, stated, "The 2027 budget reflects the government's strong commitment to better support the daily lives of heroes and their families who sacrificed their youth and lives for the nation. The government will strive to provide 'special compensation and medical systems' for veteran families and foster a spirit of love for the country among the public in their daily lives."
The ministry plans to use the increased budget to prioritize initiatives such as raising and expanding compensation, improving access to veteran medical services, transforming national cemeteries, realizing a global K-veteran initiative, and developing cultural projects in collaboration with the public.
A notable aspect of the budget is the strengthened support for veterans. The proposed budget raises the monthly allowance for veterans from 490,000 won to 540,000 won. Additionally, compensation for surviving patriots and the families of independence activists will increase by 5.0% and 3.0%, respectively. The compensation for those with a 7th grade disability and the new child allowance for the Korean War will also rise by 3.5% and 8.7%, respectively, to help close the compensation gap.
The safety net for medical and welfare services for veterans will also expand. The number of designated hospitals for veterans will increase from 1,200 to 1,400, allowing veterans to receive care closer to home, and the age limit for hospital support will be lowered from 75 to 65.
Infrastructure investments will be made to enhance burial capacity and promote veteran culture. A committee will be established to redesign the Hyochang Park area into a national park that coexists with daily life, culture, and veteran affairs by 2029, and eco-friendly elements and safety management will be strengthened at 12 national cemeteries across the country.
To realize the global K-veteran initiative, an organizing committee will be launched for the 2029 World Disabled Veterans Sports Games, the first of its kind in Asia, and the scale of invitations for UN veterans will be increased by 1.5 times compared to previous years. A specialized research team will also be established to investigate the status of overseas independence activists' graves and facilitate the repatriation of remains.
Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Veterans Affairs, stated, "The 2027 budget reflects the government's strong commitment to better support the daily lives of heroes and their families who sacrificed their youth and lives for the nation. The government will strive to provide 'special compensation and medical systems' for veteran families and foster a spirit of love for the country among the public in their daily lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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