From January 2024, National and Basic Pension payments increase by 2.1%, with income standard limits adjusted from July.
Around 7.52 million National Pension recipients and 7.79 million Basic Pension recipients will receive higher payments.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will revise related notices and strengthen guidance on these changes.
The Ministry of Planning and Budget and the Ministry of Science and ICT will permanently operate an R&D budget council starting this year.
Of the total 2024 R&D budget of KRW 35.5 trillion, 85.3% (KRW 30.5 trillion) is allocated as major R&D funds.
Both ministries aim to improve expertise and efficiency in budget allocation, applying these reforms from next year’s budget process.
Gov24 allows users to easily obtain five types of certificates needed for the 2025 year-end tax settlement until June 30.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has enhanced user convenience with various authentication methods, a dedicated portal, and a queue system.
Certificate issuance is free, and users are advised to use the official Gov24 website for secure service.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a five-year plan to expand compensation for drug side effects, including outpatient treatment before and after hospitalization and raising the medical expense limit to 50 million KRW.
The plan features simplified application procedures, enhanced support for severe cases, increased guidance for medical staff and the public, and rationalized system operations.
These improvements aim to strengthen patient-centered services and safety nets, ensuring sustainable management of the compensation system.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute are significantly expanding green bond and green ABS issuance support this year.
Support now covers SMEs’ working capital and extends interest cost aid up to three years, easing financial burdens.
Applications for green bond interest subsidy open June 12, and green ABS support starts June 21.
The government has resumed its full-time conversion support program after two years, expanding eligibility to companies with fewer than 30 employees.
Up to 600,000 KRW per month is provided for each worker converted to full-time, and 300,000 KRW per month for reduced working hours during parenting.
Efforts to close labor market gaps and support working parents will continue, with ongoing policy reviews and improvements.