South Korea Seeks Public Input on Expanding Patriots’ Education Programs

Proposed Amendment to Honor National Heroes and Foster Patriotism

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) of South Korea has announced a legislative preview for a proposed amendment to the ‘Act on the Honorable Treatment and Support of Persons of National Merit, etc.’ This significant change aims to expand the beneficiaries of national merit-related training and education programs, currently limited to designated individuals and their families, to include the general public.

This initiative is rooted in Article 5 of the Framework Act on Patriots and Veterans Affairs, which mandates the state and local governments to honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who served the nation. By making these educational opportunities more widely accessible, the MPVA seeks to further promote a spirit of patriotism and establish a broader foundation for respecting persons of national merit across society.

For international readers, ‘persons of national merit’ in South Korea refers to individuals who have made significant sacrifices or contributions to the nation, such as independence fighters, war veterans, and those who died in the line of duty, along with their bereaved or surviving family members. The proposed amendment represents a move towards a more inclusive approach to national education and remembrance, inviting all citizens to learn about and appreciate these historical contributions.

The public is invited to submit their opinions on this proposed amendment. The notice period for feedback began on April 6, 2026, and will conclude on May 18, 2026. Interested individuals, organizations, or agencies are strongly encouraged to provide their feedback, clearly indicating whether they support or oppose the amendment and stating their reasons, especially if opposing.

To submit an opinion, individuals can utilize the National Participation in Legislation Center website, an official portal for public input on legislative matters in South Korea. Visit http://opinion.lawmaking.go.kr to submit your feedback online. Alternatively, written opinions can be sent via mail, email, or fax directly to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. All submissions should include your full name (or organization name and representative if applicable), address, and contact information.

• Mail: Patriots and Veterans Cultural Policy Division, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, 9 Doum 4-ro, Eojin-dong, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, 30113, Republic of Korea
• Email: se2215@korea.kr
• Fax: 044-202-5596

For any further inquiries or detailed information regarding the proposed amendment, please contact the Patriots and Veterans Cultural Policy Division directly at 044-202-5520.

Source: 법제처 — Original Article (Korean)