"If a Family of Four Moves, They Receive 600,000 Won Monthly... Population Grew by 3,065 in a Month [Rural Basic Income Experiment]"

Ministry of Agriculture Adds Seven Counties as Pilot Sites on June 11

Population in New Areas Rises 1.7%, from 184,626 to 187,691

Boseong in South Jeolla Leads in Growth with a Surge of 868 Residents

It has been found that the population of seven counties—Hwacheon in Gangwon, Boeun in North Chungcheong, Jinan and Muju in North Jeolla, Gurye and Boseong in South Jeolla, and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang (listed in administrative order)—which were newly selected as pilot sites for the Rural Basic Income program, increased by more than 3,000 people within a month. Among these, Boseong County saw the largest population growth, with an increase of 868 residents, the highest among the seven additional pilot sites.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on July 5, the resident registration population of Hwacheon, Boeun, Jinan, Muju, Gurye, Boseong, and Cheongsong counties was 187,691 at the end of June, an increase of 3,065 people (1.7%) compared to the previous month’s figure of 184,626. To receive the rural basic income, applicants must have their resident registration in the respective county and reside there for at least 30 days prior to the application date.

The Asia Business Daily Database

During the same period, the national population decreased by 3,561, dropping from 51,095,330 to 51,091,769. Despite the nationwide trend of population decline, the pilot areas for the rural basic income have seen population growth.

Even these seven additional counties were unable to avoid population decline prior to being designated as rural basic income pilot sites. In March this year, the total population was 184,289, a decrease of 438 compared to March last year (184,727). The decline rate was 0.2%, which indicates a steeper population decline than the national average.

Boseong recorded the largest population increase. In May this year, the resident registration population was 36,691, which grew by 868 (2.4%) to reach 37,559. Boseong plans to provide a total rural basic income of 200,000 won, including an additional 50,000 won from the county itself.

Cheongsong County’s population also increased by 740 in a single month. The growth rate was 3.2%, the steepest among the seven counties. Among the new residents, 427 came from other cities and counties within North Gyeongsang Province, accounting for more than half. In addition, 198 people relocated to Cheongsong from Daegu Metropolitan City. For the past 10 years, Cheongsong County has been recognized as a representative region at risk of extinction, with the population decreasing by around 20 to 30 per month, totaling 200 to 300 annually.

The rural basic income pilot project was initiated to address national issues such as the risk of rural extinction and the widening gap between regions, and to promote balanced development. Each resident receives a monthly basic income of 150,000 won in the form of a local gift certificate. The pilot project targets rural areas at high risk of depopulation. Last October and December, ten counties—Yeoncheon, Jeongseon, Okcheon, Cheongyang, Jangsu, Sunchang, Gokseong, Shinan, Yeongyang, and Namhae—were selected, and basic income payments began in February this year (March for Gokseong). Subsequently, in April, the government secured an additional supplementary budget of 70.6 billion won to strengthen support for vulnerable rural areas affected by the Middle East conflict, thereby conducting an open call for additional pilot sites. Excluding the original ten counties, 44 out of 59 depopulation-prone counties applied. Through intense competition, with a ratio of 8.8 to 1, seven additional counties were selected on June 11.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expects that the expansion of this pilot project will increase the incomes of rural residents, stimulate local consumption, and have positive effects on the local economy, including boosting sales for small business owners. The ministry also anticipates that the project will help attract and retain young people, creating a stronger foundation for settlement in rural areas.

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