Rural Basic Income Payments to Benefit 160,000 Residents in 7 Counties Starting the 28th
Introduced on a pilot basis as a form of regional mutual aid funds, the 'Rural Basic Income' will be paid for the first time to approximately 160,000 residents in seven counties starting the 28th. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) completed application and residency verification processes for the seven counties additionally selected as pilot sites in June: Gurye and Boseong in South Jeolla, Hwacheon in Gangwon, Boeun in North Chungcheong, Jinan and Muju in North Jeolla, and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang. As of the 23rd of this month, approximately 92.7% of payment recipients were finalized. Application rates by region were as follows: Muju 97.2%, Cheongsong 91.7%, Boseong 89.6%, Gurye 86.9%, Jinan 85.7%, Boeun 84.1%, and Hwacheon 76.6%.
MAFRA and local governments have completed eligibility reviews verifying resident registration and actual occupancy. They decided to grant benefits retroactively, including for residents whose applications were delayed, provided their residency is confirmed.
This support aims to compensate for income loss while stimulating consumption within the region. The basic payment is 150,000 won per person per month, though some counties added municipal funds depending on local circumstances. Gurye, Boseong, and Cheongsong will pay 200,000 won per month, while Boeun will pay 160,000 won.
The total amount for the first payment is 56.7 billion won. To prevent a concentration on specific industries, the funds will be distributed as 'Regional Love Gift Certificates' valid within designated living zones in each county. The usage period is three months, or six months for residents in 'myeon' (township) areas.
The first payment includes retroactive amounts. Existing residents who lived there before the selection date of June 11 will receive two months' worth, including retroactive pay for July. New movers will receive three months' worth after 90 days of actual residency verification are completed. Payments begin on the 28th in Gurye, Boseong, Hwacheon, Boeun, and Cheongsong, followed by Jinan on the 31st, and Muju on September 10.
Kim Jeong-uk, Director General of the Agricultural Innovation Policy Bureau at MAFRA, stated, "We will manage the program to ensure that the basic income leads to higher incomes for rural residents and contributes to revitalizing the regional economy."
