Gov’t unveils 2012 budget to improve welfare on western border islands

Korea will use about 30.4 billion won ($27 million), including private investment, to support the residents of five western border islands next year since they live under constant threats from the North, the home affairs ministry said Monday.

The government in June promised 910 billion won in both civilian and government investment over the next 10 years to improve living conditions on the five border islands, including Yeonpyeong, which was shelled by the North in November 2010. The attack killed four people, including two civilians, and destroyed dozens of homes and public buildings.

The 30.4 billion won breaks down to 22.1 billion won from state coffers, 7.18 billion won from the local administration that oversees the islands and 1.1 billion won from the private sector, according to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security.

The money will be used to subsidize living and educational costs of residents of the five islands, cover fees for shipping daily supplies, and help modernize housing and docks, it said. Building more seawalls, piers and accommodations to draw tourists is also part of the project.

This year's total budget for supporting the five islands was 52.9 billion won, including 42.4 billion won from state coffers.

"The population of the five islands has increased from 8,318 in November last year to 8,655 as of late October, and 94,222 tourists visited the islands in September this year, up from 73,799 a year ago," the ministry said in a press release. (Yonhap)