Sunchang County Presents Welfare Policy Achievements at Legislative Expo Forum

"Discussing Legislative Directions
and Sharing Policy Achievements of Local Governments"

Sunchang County in North Jeolla Province presented the achievements of its universal welfare policies at the '2025 Legislative Expo' forum held at the National Assembly on the 24th, suggesting new possibilities for rural policy.

Sunchang County presented the achievements of universal welfare policies at the '2025 Legislative Expo' forum held at the National Assembly on the 24th, suggesting new possibilities for rural policies. Provided by Sunchang County

According to the county on the 25th, the forum was jointly organized by the National Assembly Basic Society Forum and the National Decentralization Democratic Leaders Conference. The event discussed legislative directions for realizing a basic society and provided an opportunity for each local government to share their policy achievements.

County Governor Choi Youngil stated, "By explaining the population extinction crisis Sunchang County faced, the universal welfare policies implemented to overcome it, and the tangible results achieved, I have shown that under the eighth popularly elected administration, Sunchang has been practicing a universal welfare model that takes responsibility for the lives of all residents, from birth to old age."

He introduced customized policies for each stage of life, including the Child Happiness Allowance, College Student Living Support Fund, Youth Seed Savings Account, Basic Income for Farmers, jobs and care for seniors, and medical support. In particular, the Basic Income for Farmers project, which has been gradually expanded since the ordinance was enacted in 2022, aims to provide 2 million won per farmer by the end of this year.

Governor Choi emphasized, "The Basic Income for Farmers is not just a subsidy but an investment that guarantees the sustainability of agriculture and rural communities." He added, "It not only ensures stable income for farmers but also leads to revitalization of the local economy."

Previously, the county recorded a net increase in population for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, with the birth rate rising from 79 in 2023 to 98 in 2024. During the same period, the youth population increased by 116, resulting in a decrease in the county's average age. In a policy satisfaction survey, 85.2% of residents responded positively, providing quantitative evidence of the policy's effectiveness.

Governor Choi said, "Since May, the county has been ready to implement the national pilot project for rural basic income, having already reorganized administrative structures, enacted ordinances, conducted resident surveys, and sought expert advice. With both achievements and an implementation foundation in place, I hope the National Assembly will show great interest and support so that Sunchang can become the starting point for Korea's basic society."

Meanwhile, the county plans to further strengthen its universal welfare system, ensuring all residents can live safely from birth to old age, and to establish itself as a leading model of Korea's basic society.

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