South Korea's Rural Basic Income Program Boosts Population

South Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong inspected the basic income pilot program in Chungcheongnam-do's Cheongyang County. She met with local residents and reviewed services designed to ease daily inconveniences linked to the basic income initiative. During her visit, Song toured a cafe opened by a young entrepreneur and pledged to incorporate local revitalization successes into the program to combat regional decline.

The program distributes 150,000 won (approximately $115 USD) per month in local currency to residents of selected depopulating areas. Cheongyang County has seen its population increase by 973 people, a 3.3% rise, since the program began, reversing a prior trend of decline.

Fifty-five new businesses have opened in the area following the implementation of the program, with 18 led by young people. The pilot program is currently underway in 17 of the 69 designated counties, with a budget of 34.7 billion won.