Cabinet approves amended enforcement decree of USFK zone support law on Tuesday

The entrance to Camp Greaves in Paju, a former USFK base inside the Civilian Control Zone, returned to South Korea [Gyeonggi Province]
The entrance to Camp Greaves in Paju, a former USFK base inside the Civilian Control Zone, returned to South Korea [Gyeonggi Province]

Local governments will be able to receive national funding covering up to 95 percent of land acquisition costs in areas formerly used by USFK.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety said Tuesday that the Cabinet approved an amendment to the enforcement decree of the Special Act on Support for Areas Around USFK Zones.

The amendment follows through on government support commitments announced to residents at a northern Gyeonggi Province town hall meeting on Nov. 14, 2025.

Under the Special Act on Support for Areas Around USFK Zones, enacted in 2006, the ministry had subsidized 60 to 80 percent of land acquisition costs when local governments purchased land in returned USFK zones to develop parks, roads and waterways for residents.

Local governments whose development had long been stifled by the presence of USFK-designated zones repeatedly called for greater national support and relief from their fiscal burden. They argued that the sacrifices made in the name of national security warranted more tangible assistance in revitalizing their communities.

In response, the ministry raised the ceiling on the subsidy rate so the national government can now cover up to 95 percent of land acquisition costs when local governments purchase land in returned USFK zones to develop roads, waterways and parks.

The amended decree will take effect immediately upon promulgation. However, cases in which land acquisition costs have already been subsidized under the previous rules will continue to be governed by those earlier provisions.

"This amendment to the enforcement decree is the realization of the governing philosophy that regions that have made special sacrifices for national security deserve special support," Minister of Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung said. "We will spare no effort in supporting the development of returned USFK zones and the construction of amenities so that residents can directly feel an improvement in their quality of life."


thlee@heraldcorp.com