Cheongyang County Population Recovers to 30,000 in Two Years Thanks to Rural Basic Income

66 Billion Won Injected in Just 45 Days, Serving as a Catalyst for the Local Economy

The population of Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong Province, has recovered to the 30,000 mark after two years.

Since the population dipped below 30,000 in April 2024, it is now being analyzed that the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project is driving population inflow.

A county official stated that the pilot project has led to an increase of around 1,000 people, and within just 45 days of implementation, 6.6 billion won has been spent, serving as a significant catalyst for the local economy.

According to the county on April 14, out of the 11.06 billion won distributed so far this year, 6.6 billion won has already been spent. This is within 45 days since the basic income payments began.

The distributed basic income has mainly been used for everyday spending. The majority was spent at general retail stores (25.1%), restaurants (20.8%), supermarkets and marts (20.1%), and hospitals and pharmacies (11.6%).

A county official commented, "The most noticeable change since the implementation of basic income is the revitalization of the local commercial districts."

With the increased use of basic income, the number of merchants accepting local gift certificates has risen, and new stores are opening in previously vacant locations.

In fact, 23 new businesses have opened in Cheongyang-eup, and 15—including general stores—have opened in other areas such as Cheongnam-myeon.

The county official added, "To maximize the effectiveness of basic income, we plan to further develop foundational policies that connect settlement condition projects—such as redevelopment projects, youth share-houses, Love Together, and Jeongsan Fairy Tale Vitality Town—with job creation programs."

Kim Dongon, Governor of Cheongyang County, stated, "The Rural Basic Income is yielding meaningful results in three aspects: revitalizing the local economy, laying the foundation for population inflow, and restoring the community." He added, "Surpassing 6.6 billion won in spending is evidence that this program is becoming a solid support for both small business owners and farmers."

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