Gyeonggi Province Promotes 'Military Personnel Convenience Facility Development Project'
Suwon NewsPublished 2020.01.27 08:05
Creating rest areas and other convenience infrastructure for off-duty soldiers in military-concentrated areas along border regionsWin-win for regional cooperation through soldier morale boosting, job creation, and consumption promotion
[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 27th that it will promote a 'Military Personnel Convenience Facility Development Project' targeting military-dense areas along border regions to boost soldier morale and revitalize the regional economy.
To this end, the province plans to develop military personnel convenience facilities from May to June, and after operating for one to two months, it will evaluate the project and expand it to other border regions if the response is positive.
This project is being pursued in line with the government's 'Military Personnel Off-Duty System' to create convenience facilities for off-duty soldiers in border regions where military bases are concentrated, aiming to boost military morale, create jobs, and promote consumption for regional cooperation.
The government has implemented the 'Military Personnel Off-Duty System,' which permits soldiers to take leave after duty hours as part of Defense Reform 2.0 to enhance soldier welfare. The system was piloted in 2018 and expanded nationwide starting in February of last year.
Off-duty hours for soldiers after their work day are from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, totaling four hours. Soldiers may take leave for purposes such as group activities, self-development, and personal affairs (such as medical treatment) to the extent that it does not interfere with military readiness.
In line with this, the province plans to invest a total of 900 million won (420 million won from provincial funds and 480 million won from municipal and county budgets) to pilot the development of military personnel convenience facilities in three cities and counties—Yangju, Pocheon, and Yeoncheon—through remodeling public and idle facilities and providing equipment support.
Specifically, Yangju and Yeoncheon will establish rest facilities with PC bangs and relaxation spaces for soldiers to use, while Pocheon will create rest areas equipped with PCs, books, and Wi-Fi zones.
Previously, the target cities and counties conducted surveys to gather opinions from residents and preferences regarding facilities soldiers prefer during off-duty time. Based on the results, the project contents were structured. These facilities will be operated by socioeconomic organizations such as village enterprises or directly by the relevant local governments.
A provincial official stated, "If convenience facilities are created, it is expected to enhance not only soldiers' convenience but also bring vitality to the depressed commercial areas in border regions," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure the project promotes civil-military cooperation as a rallying point."
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