Sunchang County's Basic Income Initiative Creates a 'Butterfly Effect'... Local Economy Soars

68% of Basic Income Spent Locally,
Number of Affiliated Stores Soars by 239

New Businesses Grow in Township Areas,
Expansion of Social Solidarity Economy Organizations

Sunchang County is transforming the structure of its local economy by implementing the bold initiative of "basic income for rural areas" amid the crisis of regional extinction. This approach goes beyond simple welfare handouts and serves as a catalyst to revitalize the stagnant flow of capital within the region.

In particular, the recently held "Mutual Growth Connection Solidarity Market" has attracted attention as an on-the-ground example demonstrating the virtuous cycle effect of the basic income policy, as it concluded with enthusiastic support from residents.

The most notable change is that, as of the end of April, Sunchang County reported that out of a total of 14.4 billion won in basic income payments, the actual amount spent was approximately 9.86 billion won, resulting in a usage rate of 68.3%.

Sunchang County held the 'Sangsaeng Ieum Solidarity Market' on the 9th at the Sanulim Center area in Pungsan-myeon. Provided by Sunchang County

In fact, since the implementation of basic income, both local consumption and entrepreneurship have become increasingly vibrant. The number of registered basic income-affiliated stores increased by 239, from 1,520 to 1,759. In township areas without large commercial districts, new businesses closely tied to residents' daily lives, such as butcher shops, snack bars, and chicken restaurants, are increasing, particularly in these township regions.

Furthermore, the number of social solidarity economy organizations, such as cooperatives and village enterprises, has expanded from 38 to 48, and new lifestyle service organizations have been established, further contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Against this backdrop, Sunchang County held the "Mutual Growth Connection Solidarity Market" on the 9th at the Sanwoollim Center area in Pungsan-myeon. Hosted by the Pungsan-myeon Residents’ Autonomous Committee and organized by the Pungsan Residents’ Cooperative, the market featured participation from 33 groups, including local farms and cooperatives, which offered a variety of local specialty products, food items, and experiential programs.

Notably, this market was not just about spending money; there was also evidence of "economic self-reliance," with residents themselves taking on the role of producers.

The event was especially meaningful because residents used their basic income cards to make direct purchases from local farms and stores, experiencing firsthand a virtuous cycle in which consumption is reinvested in the local economy. It was evaluated as a lifestyle-oriented economic model, connecting producers and consumers, the community and the local economy, and showing potential that goes beyond a simple sales event.

A Sunchang County official stated, "Basic income is not just financial support, but a connecting link between consumption, production, and the community," adding, "We will complete the 'Sunchang-style basic society model,' which encompasses all aspects of daily life—including care and employment—to maximize the tangible benefits for residents."

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