Cheongyang County Holds Residents' Briefing on "54 Billion Won Annual Rural Basic Income"

Governor Kim Donggon Answers Residents’ Questions Directly... All Residents to Receive 150,000 Won Monthly Starting in 2026
Emphasis on "Resident-Centered Design" Including 90-Day Residency Verification and Visiting Application Service

Kim Donggon, the governor of Cheongyang County, is explaining the rural basic income at a residents' briefing session. / Cheongyang County

Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province will hold a large-scale residents' briefing session for all county residents ahead of the full implementation of the "Rural Basic Income Pilot Project."

With 54 billion won worth of local currency to be directly injected into the local economy each year, the county has presented "building a Cheongyang-style basic society" as its core vision, rather than simply distributing funds, and has begun gathering residents' opinions.

The county announced on December 2 that it will hold briefing sessions touring the 10 towns and townships in the county, aiming to design a mid- to long-term strategy for overcoming the crisis of population decline and revitalizing the local economy and community together with residents through the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project.

Governor Kim Donggon explained the concept of basic income, payment procedures, expected effects, and the operation of the activation fund in a way that is accessible to residents at the briefing sessions, which will continue until December 5.

In particular, he stated that by utilizing the basic income activation fund, the county aims to build a "Cheongyang-style basic society" led by residents and supported by the administration, by expanding universal welfare projects such as the "Call and We’ll Run Errand Service" and free meals at senior centers.

Residents asked a variety of questions about practical matters such as the application process, verification of actual residency, and how to use the local gift certificates, and the county provided guidance on measures to address anticipated inconveniences.

The county was finally selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' "Rural Basic Income Pilot Project" in October, and will provide 150,000 won per month to residents for two years from 2026 to 2027.

The payment method will be the Cheongyang Love Gift Certificate (mobile or dedicated check card), and a prepaid card will also be issued separately for residents without smartphones.

The application period will run for one month, from December 10 to January 10, 2026, and residents can apply only after 30 days of moving into the area.

From December 22 to 31, the county will also operate a "visiting service" for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Eligibility will be confirmed through verification of actual residency and deliberation by the town and township committees. Residents who moved in after October 20 will have their residency additionally verified for 90 days after the application date, and if they meet the requirements, the payment will be made retroactively.

Governor Kim Donggon said, "If 54 billion won worth of local currency is injected into the region every year, we can achieve both population retention and revitalization of the local economy," adding, "We will accelerate the realization of a Cheongyang-style basic society where every resident can live without lack, going beyond basic income."

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