South Gyeongsang Province lowers entry bar for fishing village support program

South Gyeongsang Province is significantly lowering the barrier to entry for its 'Gwio Sarangbang' (Fishing Village Welcome House) program, designed to help aspiring fishermen settle into coastal communities. Recent revisions to the program's operational guidelines, effective this month, aim to make it more accessible and supportive.

Previously, only South Korean nationals between 18 and 50 years old could participate. The age limit has now been extended to 65 years. Furthermore, the initial one-year support period can now be extended for another year if no new applicants are waiting. The monthly subsidy for accommodation has also seen a substantial increase, rising from a maximum of 300,000 won to 500,000 won.

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'Gwio Sarangbang' is an important support program that allows aspiring fishermen to actually live in a fishing village and directly confirm their potential for settlement. However, it had not been revitalized due to realistic problems such as the age limit under 50. Accordingly, we revised the operational guidelines in response to the suggestions of those hoping to become fishermen, including graduates of the fishing school.

This year, the program plans to accommodate five individuals: three in Geoje City and two in Goseong County. While the primary accommodation is within the lodging facilities of experience-based fishing villages, participants can request to stay in other villages, with the local government facilitating such arrangements. The increased subsidy allows for two people to share accommodation within the 500,000 won monthly limit.

An official from the province's Fisheries Development Division stated that the program, launched last year as a first in the nation, aims to let aspiring fishermen experience life in a fishing village firsthand to assess their settlement potential. "We revised the operational guidelines based on feedback from those hoping to become fishermen, including graduates of our fishing school, to address issues like the age limit under 50," the official explained. The province anticipates a surge in applications following these changes and plans to improve accommodation facilities and expand the program's reach.

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Now, we expect the number of applicants to increase significantly, and we anticipate being able to operate this program in earnest. In line with this, we plan to improve the accommodation facilities of experience-based fishing villages and expand the project areas.