Pocheon City to Begin Integrated Applications for 2026 Basic Public Interest Direct Payment on March 1

by Lee jonggu

Published 19 Feb.2026 09:56(KST)

Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province will begin accepting applications for the "2026 Basic Public Interest Direct Payment" on March 1, to strengthen the public functions of agriculture and support income stability for farmers.

Pocheon City poster for integrated applications for the 2026 Basic Public Direct Payment starting March 1. Provided by Pocheon City.

The Basic Public Interest Direct Payment is a subsidy paid to farmers who have completed registration as an agricultural management entity and are actually engaged in farming. Depending on the payment requirements, it is divided into the "Small-Scale Farmer Direct Payment" and the "Area-Based Direct Payment."

Under the Small-Scale Farmer Direct Payment, 1.3 million won is paid as a flat amount per household to eligible farms. The Area-Based Direct Payment is divided into three tiers (Tiers 1 to 3) based on whether the land falls within a designated agricultural promotion area and on the size of the cultivated area, and a differentiated rate per tier is applied for payment.

Starting this year, the application period will be operated in an integrated manner, and both online and in-person applications will be accepted simultaneously from March 1 to May 31.

Farmers whose registered agricultural management information has not changed and who have been confirmed as eligible through the pre-verification of qualification can easily apply via the automated response system (ARS) or mobile (Nong-eum e-ji app). Other non-face-to-face applicants can apply via the internet or mobile as well.

However, new applicants, those cultivating land outside their resident jurisdiction, and agricultural corporations must visit the administrative welfare center of the eup, myeon, or dong where the farmland is located to apply.

Some application requirements have also been revised to strengthen the fairness of the system’s operation. From this year, when applying for the Small-Scale Farmer Direct Payment, the consent of household members must be obtained, and verification of whether the land is actually being cultivated will be further reinforced.

If a person who has been assigned a long-term care grade for the elderly applies for the Public Interest Direct Payment, they must submit, in addition to the existing "Cultivation Fact Confirmation," a doctor's "Activity Capability Medical Certificate (or Opinion Letter)." This certificate must clearly state the doctor’s opinion that the applicant is capable of performing farming activities, including general farm work and operating agricultural machinery.

An official from Pocheon City said, "As the application period for the Public Interest Direct Payment will be operated in an integrated manner from this year, please pay special attention to applying within the deadline," adding, "In particular, those who are subject to submitting additional documents, such as long-term care grade recipients, should check the required documents in advance to avoid any disadvantages."