South Korean veterans ministry proposes 8% budget increase

South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has proposed a 7.22 trillion won ($5.25 billion) budget for next year, representing an 8 percent increase from the current year. The draft proposal aims to expand benefits for war veterans and increase allowances for persons of national merit.

Key initiatives include expanding eligibility for independence fighters' benefits to certain third-generation descendants, adding approximately 2,500 new recipients. The ministry also plans to lower the age threshold for veterans hospital eligibility from 75 to 65 and expand contracted medical institutions.

Additional funding is earmarked for transforming Hyochang Park in Seoul into a national cemetery and public cultural space. The budget also supports preparations for the 2029 Invictus Games in Daejeon and programs to honor Korean War veterans who served under the United Nations flag.