North Jeolla Province Doubles Donghak Revolution Survivor Allowance, Expands Eligibility

North Jeolla Province is significantly enhancing its financial support for the descendants of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, becoming the first provincial government in South Korea to do so. The province announced an expansion of the survivor's allowance, doubling the monthly payment and increasing the number of eligible recipients.

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The Donghak Peasant Revolution is the starting point of the anti-Japanese struggle and the root of South Korea's democracy, yet for over 130 years, its value has not been recognized, and participants and their families had to live in hiding, bearing the stigma of rebels and traitors.

Under the revised plan, the number of recipients will rise from 549 to 723, an increase of 174 individuals. The monthly allowance will be doubled from 50,000 won to 100,000 won, meaning eligible survivors will now receive 1.2 million won annually, up from the previous 600,000 won. This expansion is funded by an additional 130 million won from the provincial budget and 304 million won from municipal and county budgets.

The Donghak Peasant Revolution survivor's allowance was initiated this year by North Jeolla Province to honor the value and significance of the revolution and to aid in the restoration of honor for its participants and their families. Provincial Assembly member Yeom Young-sun welcomed the decision, stating that the revolution, a precursor to the anti-Japanese independence movement and a root of Korean democracy, has been undervalued for over 130 years. He expressed commitment to advancing efforts for the participants' recognition as independence patriots and including the revolution's spirit in the preamble of the constitution.

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This is a decision that resolves the grievances of the Donghak peasant soldiers for over 130 years.

Leaders of survivor associations have also expressed gratitude. Park Jong-ho, president of the Jeonju-Wanju Donghak Peasant Revolution Survivors Association, called the decision a resolution of the grievances held by the revolution's participants for over a century. Lee Yoon-young, director of the Donghak Revolution Memorial Hall, noted that the 100,000 won amount was what descendants had initially requested and that other regions were observing North Jeolla Province's pioneering move. He also expressed hope for further national-level recognition, including posthumous honors for participants, in conjunction with the upcoming Liberation Day.

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100,000 won was the amount originally requested by the descendants, and North Jeolla Province increased it from 50,000 won. As North Jeolla Province is the first to implement this, other regions were watching its stance.