Gyeongsangbuk-do is supporting low-income individuals in achieving economic and social self-reliance by allocating approximately 62.1 billion won across 20 self-reliance-related programs, including self-reliance labor, operational support for self-reliance centers, asset formation support, and self-reliance funds. Furthermore, in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's regional self-reliance center performance evaluation, 11 out of 19 centers within the province were selected as outstanding institutions.

On the 20th, the provincial government hosted the “2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do Self-Reliance Project Participants Festival” at the indoor gymnasium of the Pohang Stadium, drawing about 1,800 participants and stakeholders. Held under the slogan "A Powerful Step Forward to Implement Social Integration and Safety Nets," the event served as a meaningful occasion to share self-reliance experiences and determination.

The event featured an awards ceremony for contributors to the self-reliance projects and a proclamation ceremony for the future vision of self-reliance. Pre-event performances by singing contest winners and celebratory performances added to the festive atmosphere.

Exhibitions of self-reliance products, along with a self-reliance photo exhibition and an essay contest, were also held to showcase the activities and achievements of the participants. Commendations were awarded to 51 individuals—including public officials who contributed to vitalizing self-reliance projects, center workers, and exemplary participants.

Awards were presented to 13 recipients from the Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, 19 from the President of the Korea Regional Self-Reliance Centers Association, and 19 from the President of the Gyeongbuk Regional Self-Reliance Centers Association. Additionally, awards were given to 4 winners of the self-reliance success essay contest and 4 outstanding centers in the self-reliance photography contest.

The essay contest featured entries written by participants about their experiences in self-reliance programs. For the photography contest, 4 outstanding works were selected through a secondary vote by participants among the entries that passed the preliminary screening.

To operate self-reliance programs in a balanced manner and create practical spaces, the province is also pursuing the establishment of the Korea Self-Reliance Welfare Development Institute within Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Kim Ho-seob, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "This Self-Reliance Festival served as a meaningful occasion to boost the participants' will to become self-reliant and support them in pursuing their dreams of independence. Gyeongsangbuk-do will continue to proactively pursue diverse support policies for the economic and social independence of self-reliance project participants."

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