Learn Korean: Reforming Basic Pension for Elderly Couples

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Korean Reading Practice

대통령이 띄운 기초연금 개편...내년부터 부부 감액 축...

Date: March 28, 2026

Introduction

This reading material discusses the Korean government's plan to reform the basic pension system, specifically focusing on reducing the pension reduction for elderly couples. The article highlights the president's proposal to provide more support for the poorest elderly individuals and couples.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
기초연금 gichoyeongeum basic pension 기초연금을 받는 노인들이 많습니다.Many elderly people receive the basic pension.
감액 gamryeok reduction 부부의 기초연금 감액 제도가 변경됩니다.The reduction system for elderly couples' basic pension is being changed.
소득 soeup income 근로소득이 일정 수준 이하인 경우 연금 수령이 가능합니다.Those with work income below a certain level can receive the pension.
홀몸 holbom single, alone 홀몸 노인들에게 더 많은 지원이 필요합니다.More support is needed for elderly people living alone.
하후상박 hahusangbak helping the poor, favoring the lower class 하후상박 정책을 통해 어려운 노인들을 지원할 것입니다.The "helping the poor" policy will support the struggling elderly.
초고령화 chogoryeonghwa super-aging population 한국 사회의 초고령화로 인해 기초연금 예산이 늘어났습니다.The super-aging population in Korea has led to a rise in the basic pension budget.
재정 부담 jaejeong budam fiscal burden 급증하는 기초연금 예산으로 인한 재정 부담이 크습니다.The rapidly increasing basic pension budget poses a significant fiscal burden.
개편 gaepyeon reform, restructuring 기초연금 제도의 개편이 필요한 상황입니다.The basic pension system needs to be reformed.
감액률 gamryeoklyul reduction rate 부부의 감액률을 점차 낮추어 나갈 예정입니다.The reduction rate for elderly couples will be gradually lowered.
급속 geupsok rapid, sudden 한국 사회의 급속한 고령화로 인해 예산 증가가 발생했습니다.The rapid aging of Korean society has led to a budget increase.
예산 yesan budget 기초연금 예산이 4배 가까이 증가했습니다.The basic pension budget has increased by nearly 4 times.

Reading Text

이재명 대통령은 기초연금 제도 개편을 제안했습니다. 현재 기초연금 수령액은 소득 수준과 관계없이 동일합니다. 그러나 대통령은 이러한 방식이 적절하지 않다고 지적했습니다.

President Lee Jae-myung proposed reforming the basic pension system. Currently, the basic pension amount is the same regardless of income level. However, the president pointed out that this approach is not appropriate.

대통령은 가난한 노인들을 더 두텁게 지원해야 한다고 강조했습니다. 이를 위해 정부는 노인 부부의 감액 제도를 개선하기로 했습니다. 내년부터 소득 하위 40% 노인 부부의 감액률을 단계적으로 낮출 예정입니다.

The president emphasized that more support should be provided for the poor elderly. To this end, the government has decided to improve the reduction system for elderly couples. Starting next year, the reduction rate for the bottom 40% of elderly couples will be gradually lowered.

이에 따르면 홀몽 노인은 매달 468만 원까지, 부부는 796만 원까지 근로소득을 올려도 연금 대상이 될 수 있습니다. 이는 가난한 노인들의 생활을 개선하기 위한 정부의 노력입니다.

According to this, single elderly people can have up to 4.68 million won in monthly work income, and couples can have up to 7.96 million won, and still qualify for the pension. This is the government's effort to improve the lives of the poor elderly.

한편 기초연금 예산은 최근 급속한 고령화로 인해 크게 증가했습니다. 2년 내에 30조 원을 넘어설 것으로 예상되어, 재정 부담 문제가 대두되고 있습니다. 이에 정부는 보다 효과적인 기초연금 제도 개편을 추진할 계획입니다.

Meanwhile, the basic pension budget has increased significantly due to the recent rapid aging of the population. It is expected to exceed 30 trillion won within 2 years, raising concerns about the fiscal burden. Therefore, the government plans to pursue more effective reforms of the basic pension system.

이번 개편안은 가난한 노인들에게 더 많은 지원을 제공하는 동시에, 급증하는 예산 문제에도 대응하고자 하는 정부의 노력을 보여줍니다. 앞으로 노인 복지 정책에 대한 사회적 논의가 계속될 것으로 보입니다.

This reform plan shows the government's efforts to provide more support for the poor elderly while also addressing the problem of the rapidly increasing budget. It is expected that there will be continued social discussion on elderly welfare policies going forward.

Grammar Points

-기로 하다 decide to

Attached to a verb stem to express a decision or plan to do something. Formation: verb stem + 기로 하다.

📖 이를 위해 정부는 노인 부부의 감액 제도를 개선하기로 했습니다. To this end, the government decided to improve the reduction system for elderly couples.

✏️ 우리는 내일 같이 공부하기로 했어요. We decided to study together tomorrow.

-ㅂ/습니다 formal polite statement

The formal polite sentence-ending form used in written and official speech. Attached to a verb or adjective stem.

📖 한편 기초연금 예산은 최근 급속한 고령화로 인해 크게 증가했습니다. Meanwhile, the basic pension budget has increased significantly due to rapid aging in recent years.

✏️ 저는 매일 아침 운동을 합니다. I exercise every morning.

Cultural Notes

The basic pension system in Korea is an important social welfare program that provides financial support for the elderly population. As Korea's population has rapidly aged in recent decades, the basic pension has become a major government expenditure. The proposed reforms reflect the government's efforts to balance providing adequate support for the poorest elderly while also managing the growing fiscal burden.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

Why does the president think the current basic pension system is not appropriate?

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Q2

What are the key changes being made to the pension reduction system for elderly couples?

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Q3

How much work income can single and married elderly people have and still qualify for the basic pension?

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Q4

Why is the government pursuing reforms to the basic pension system?

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Q5

What are the main goals of the government's basic pension reform plan?

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