Veterans ministry seeks 8 pct hike in 2027 budget for expanded honors, key projects

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is requesting an 8% increase in its 2027 budget, totaling 7.22 trillion won, to enhance veterans' benefits and support key initiatives. This proposed allocation represents a 532 billion won rise from this year's budget of 6.68 trillion won. The budget aims to raise war veterans' basic compensation and allowances for national merit recipients, as well as benefits for descendants of independence fighters from Japan's 1910-45 occupation.

Additionally, the ministry plans to expand eligibility for independence fighters' benefits to third-generation descendants in specific cases. The age limit for using veterans hospitals will be lowered from 75 to 65, and contracted medical institutions for veterans and their families will continue to expand.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to transforming Hyochang Park, a historic site in central Seoul, into a national cemetery with a public cultural space, honoring key independence fighters like Kim Koo. The ministry will establish a committee to oversee this project. Furthermore, the funds will support the preparation for South Korea's hosting of the Invictus Games in 2029, scheduled for the central city of Daejeon.

The budget will also finance programs to invite Korean War veterans who fought alongside South Korean forces against North Korea during the 1950-53 conflict, and a specialized research team to survey and repatriate graves of independence activists who died abroad.