Rural Basic Income Promotion Coalition Gyeongnam Union Launched ... "Expansion to All Rural Areas Including Townships Within Cities"

The "Rural Basic Income Promotion Coalition Gyeongnam Union," formed by several organizations representing farmers and fishermen in the Gyeongnam region, has been launched.

The preparatory committee of the Rural Basic Income Promotion Coalition Gyeongnam Union held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Press Center on March 17, announcing the launch of the union.

Currently, nine organizations have joined the union: the Rural Basic Income Movement Gyeongnam Union, the Busan-Gyeongnam Federation of the Korean Peasants League, the Gyeongnam Union of the Korean Women Peasants Association, the Busan-Gyeongnam Union of the National Rice Producers Association, the Gyeongnam Branch of the National Garlic Producers Association, the Gyeongnam Branch of the National Onion Producers Association, the National Federation of Fishermen's Associations, the Western Gyeongnam Democratic Reform Council, and the Gyeongsangnam-do Eco-friendly Farmers Association.

These organizations argued that the rural basic income pilot project, which the government is conducting this year in 10 regions across the country with declining populations, including Namhae County, should be institutionalized as a regular project and expanded nationwide to all rural areas.

They also emphasized that townships and towns at risk of extinction, even if they are administratively part of cities, should be included.

To this end, the coalition plans to hold future roundtable discussions, pledge ceremonies with gubernatorial candidates during local elections, and policy agreements.

Sung Kim, Preparatory Committee Chairman of the Gyeongnam Union for the Promotion of Basic Income in Rural Areas, is announcing the launch of the union and explaining the promotion direction. Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

They stated, "Gyeongnam's manufacturing sector, which has driven the national economy by encompassing machinery, shipbuilding, and aerospace, is now facing a major turning point with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the climate crisis. Meanwhile, rural areas—the roots of life—are confronting the harsh reality of regional extinction caused by population decline and aging."

They went on to assert, "Basic income is not simply a form of charitable welfare, but a survival strategy and future investment that can prevent regional extinction and drive a virtuous economic cycle."

They added, "Regional currency combined with basic income will circulate within Gyeongnam’s local businesses and traditional markets, revitalizing small merchants and fostering a dynamic local community. Rural basic income will fairly compensate the public value of rural areas in safeguarding food sovereignty and the ecological environment, transforming our rural regions into places where people gather once again."

They further stated, "Basic income provided to young people will serve as a stepping stone for them to freely dream and pursue challenges in their hometown of Gyeongnam."

The coalition declared, "Basic income is a legitimate right that should be enjoyed by all rural communities. We will lead a democratic basic income movement driven by the 3.3 million residents of the province and rural areas so that basic income becomes common sense."

Sung Kim, preparatory committee chairman of the Rural Basic Income Promotion Coalition Gyeongnam Union, said, "Rural basic income is essential for balanced development that ensures the coexistence of rural areas, regions, and the nation. Based on the foundation of rural basic income, this initiative will succeed when combined with policies such as village communities, local autonomy, care, welfare, and job creation."

The rural basic income pilot project is being promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for counties at risk of extinction due to population decline and super-aging demographics.

The pilot will be conducted for two years from 2026 to 2027, with funding consisting of 40% from the national government, 30% from the provincial government, and 30% from county governments. Each resident will receive local gift certificates worth 150,000 won per month, totaling 1.8 million won per year, as basic income.

Namhae County in Gyeongnam has been selected as a pilot project area, and since February 27, basic income has been distributed to all residents of Namhae County. To implement this, Gyeongnam Province will provide a total of 20.7 billion won in provincial funding.

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