South Korean municipalities push for rural basic income implementation

Local governments in South Korea are actively pursuing various models of basic income to combat population decline and regional economic stagnation. In Yeongyang County, officials are developing a ‘Yeongyang-style basic society’ plan, which aims to integrate income, housing, medical care, and childcare services, with full implementation targeted for 2027.

In the Jeonnam-Gwangju region, municipalities such as Gangjin and Wando are competing to be selected for the government’s third pilot program for rural basic income. This federal initiative involves providing 150,000 KRW per month in local gift certificates to residents in designated rural areas for one year.

However, the rollout has sparked debate regarding equity. Civil society groups in the Jeonnam-Gwangju area are demanding that basic income be extended to all rural residents, regardless of whether their specific district is officially designated as a population-decline area. These groups are also calling for the central government to increase its fiscal contribution from 50% to 80% to alleviate the financial burden on local municipalities.