Wando County Makes All-Out Push to Secure 'Rural and Fishing Communities Basic Income'... "40,000 Residents Unite in Hope"

Ramping up efforts to develop a project model tailored to local conditions
County Governor Kim Shin: "It will be a catalyst for stabilizing livelihoods and revitalizing the local economy"

Wando County in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City is making every effort to attract the “Rural and Fishing Communities Basic Income Pilot Project” to revitalize the local economy and stabilize residents' livelihoods. The county plans to present a petition bearing the hopes of 40,000 residents and develop an optimal project model tailored to local conditions.

Wando County announced on October 26 that it held a briefing session on October 22 at the Community Culture Center to prepare for the application process for the “Rural and Fishing Communities Basic Income Pilot Project.” Residents, representatives of various institutions and civic groups, and relevant public officials attended.

Wando County held an information session for residents in preparation for the “Rural Basic Income Pilot Program” application. Provided by Wando County.

The briefing session was organized to increase residents' understanding of the rural and fishing communities basic income policy and gather their opinions for inclusion in the preliminary plan, with the aim of developing a project model that meets residents' needs and reflects local conditions.

The event began with a promotional video about the rural and fishing communities basic income. It also featured the presentation of a petition signed by county residents, a performance in support of the project being selected, and lectures by Kang Namhoon, vice chair of the Basic Society Committee, and Go Dugap, a policy adviser. In particular, Kim Heonmyeong, chairman of the Wando County Prosperity Association, drew attention by personally presenting County Governor Kim Shin with a petition bearing the signatures of 40,000 residents who hope the project will be selected.

In his lecture, titled “The Basic Society and Local Governments,” Kang Namhoon, vice chair of the Basic Society Committee, discussed the need for a rural and fishing communities basic income, the direction of policy implementation, and its expected effects. “To ensure that basic income provides practical support for residents' livelihoods, we should expand the places where vouchers can be used and link the program with essential services such as healthcare and care services to make life more convenient for residents,” Kang said. “This will lead to higher sales for small business owners and increased spending within the region.” He also outlined key issues for consideration.

Go Dugap, a policy adviser, then delivered a lecture titled “Why Is a Rural and Fishing Communities Basic Income Needed?” and emphasized the need to work together to find ways to achieve sustainable regional development. “We need to continuously reflect residents' opinions throughout the project and establish a systematic operating plan so that basic income can contribute to a virtuous cycle in the local economy,” Go said.

In preparation for the application process, the county has proactively reviewed its fiscal capacity and consulted with Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City on the city funding match ratio and ways to secure local government funding. It has also prepared a preliminary plan that reflects the region's characteristics. If the project is selected, the county plans to work with the local community to ensure that basic income helps stabilize residents' livelihoods, increase local spending, and boost sales for small business owners.

“The rural and fishing communities basic income will serve as a catalyst for stabilizing livelihoods and revitalizing the local economy,” County Governor Kim Shin said. “We will do our utmost to secure the project's selection, including by faithfully incorporating residents' opinions into the project plan.”

The results of the Rural and Fishing Communities Basic Income Pilot Project are expected to be announced after document and presentation evaluations in mid-November, following an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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