The veterans affairs minister says the newly enhanced ministry will provide living cost subsidies for the spouses of veterans.

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik announced the plan in his first address on Monday as the inaugural head of the ministry since its elevation to a Cabinet-level department.

Park promised to build a solid economic safety net that enables veterans and their families to lead a life of dignity, and also pledged to create a subsidy program for soldiers and police officers suffering from mild injuries or illnesses.

He also announced a plan to build a park honoring veterans in the Yongsan district of Seoul similar to the National Mall in Washington D.C.

The ministry was promoted to the Cabinet on Monday, 62 years after its establishment.