"Earlier Than the Government"…Local Governments Begin Distributing Livelihood Support Funds, Criticism Over Election Motives

Geumsan County to Begin Distributing 300,000 Won in Livelihood Support Funds from the 6th
Sancheong in Gyeongnam and Suncheon in Jeonnam Also Roll Out Payments

While the government is expediting the distribution of livelihood support funds through the supplementary budget, some local governments have already decided to provide payments to residents ahead of this national initiative. However, there are criticisms that these measures are aimed more at distributing cash ahead of the upcoming local elections in June, rather than for the purpose of restoring livelihoods.

Geumsan County to Distribute 300,000 Won in Livelihood Support Funds from the 6th

Geumsan County announced on April 3 that it would distribute 300,000 won in livelihood stabilization support funds to all residents starting April 6. The county explained that this measure is intended to provide practical support to residents suffering from a double burden caused by global economic uncertainty and rising energy and consumer prices due to conflicts in the Middle East, as well as to help revive the stagnant local economy.

Photo for article understanding. The Asia Business Daily DB

The recipients are all residents who had their address registered in Geumsan as of March 20, the date the ordinance for livelihood stabilization support was promulgated.

For residents of Geumsan-eup, applications can be submitted at the Geumsan Ginseng & Herbal Health Center, while residents of the other nine townships should visit their respective administrative welfare centers. To prevent confusion during the first week of applications, a five-day rotation system based on the last digit of the applicant's birth year will be implemented.

County Governor Park Beomin stated, "This is more than just a simple cash welfare measure; it serves as a priming pump to save the livelihood economy that has been pushed to the brink, and it is a strong administrative commitment to share the suffering of our residents." He added, "We will continue to devise additional measures in response to changes in the economic situation."

Sancheong in Gyeongnam and Suncheon in Jeonnam Also Roll Out Payments

Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province and Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province have also decided to distribute livelihood support funds. Sancheong County will provide 200,000 won, and Suncheon City will provide 150,000 won.

Sancheong County has been accepting applications for livelihood support funds since March 30. To improve convenience for residents, on-site application collection will be conducted by visiting each village from March 30 to April 3. During the second phase, from April 6 to April 30, applications will be accepted at the township offices corresponding to the applicant's registered address.

Sancheong County explained that the livelihood stabilization support funds were prepared under the "Livelihood Stabilization Support Fund Ordinance," with the aim of revitalizing the local economy, which has been dampened by persistent high prices and international instability leading to high oil prices, and to alleviate the financial burden on residents.

The recipients are residents who have been continuously registered in Sancheong County from December 31, 2025, until the date of application. Each eligible resident will receive a prepaid card worth 200,000 won.

The prepaid card can be used at affiliated merchants within Sancheong County until September 30, 2026, and any unused balance after this date will be automatically forfeited.

Separately from government support, Suncheon City in South Jeolla Province will provide every citizen with a 150,000-won "Livelihood Recovery Support Fund" in the form of the "Suncheon Love Gift Certificate." Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu held a press conference at the city hall's small conference room and stated, "This is an emergency measure to proactively respond to the crisis in the livelihood economy caused by global economic instability and rising oil prices triggered by the Middle East situation. The city plans to invest 50 billion won for this initiative."

He further explained, "The funds have been secured by utilizing 40 billion won in deposits from the Integrated Fiscal Stabilization Fund and 10 billion won in interest income, all obtained through efficient fiscal management. The entire amount will be funded by the city without issuing local bonds."

With the city's support and government aid combined, up to 86 billion won worth of local currency could flow into and be spent in Suncheon in a short period, which is expected to stimulate the local economy and restore sales for small business owners and neighborhood merchants.

Mayor Noh stated, "Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, we have reviewed all areas of our finances and prepared for the government’s supplementary budget. While some citizens may be excluded from government support due to income-based criteria, the city aims to provide universal support to all residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.