[Aerial view of the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant headquarters]
[Aerial view of the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant headquarters]

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's Hanul Nuclear Power Plant headquarters urged small business owners in Uljin-gun on Monday to apply for its "Hope-Filling Fund" program, which has been in operation since April to help stabilize local businesses and support their financial independence.

The program is a financial support initiative that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power developed in partnership with KB Kookmin Bank and the Korea Federation of Credit Guarantee Foundations to assist small business owners who lack sufficient collateral.

The program covers the full cost of guarantee fees and offers preferential interest rates at participating financial institutions, improving credit access for local small businesses.

Loans of up to 50 million won ($34,100) per business are available. Eligible applicants must be registered small businesses or sole proprietors currently in normal operation, hold a personal credit score of at least 755 on the NICE scale or 670 on the KCB scale, and have their primary place of business in one of six areas near nuclear power plants — Uljin-gun, Gijang-gun, Ulju-gun, Gochang-gun, Yeonggwang-gun or Gyeongju.

Applications are accepted until the budget is exhausted. Small business owners in Uljin-gun may apply online through the North Gyeongsang Province Credit Guarantee Foundation website or the "Guarantee Dream" app, or in person at the foundation's Pohang branch.

"We hope this fund will provide real, practical help to local small business owners who are struggling amid the recent economic slowdown and declining consumer spending," said Lee Yong-hui, head of the Hanul headquarters. "We encourage anyone who needs support to make full use of this opportunity."


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