Buan County to Provide 300,000 Won in Livelihood Support to All Residents
Yeonggwang: 500,000 Won, Gochang: 200,000 Won, Hwasun: 100,000 Won
Local Governments Compete to Offer Support Ahead of Chuseok
Buan County in Jeollabuk-do is providing livelihood stabilization support funds to all residents in an effort to help those struggling with high inflation, high interest rates, and the economic downturn. Each resident is eligible to receive 300,000 won regardless of income or asset level, drawing significant attention. Ahead of Chuseok, not only Buan County but also other local governments are joining in by distributing their own support funds to help ease the burden on residents.
Income and Assets Not Considered... 300,000 Won Per Person
Buan County in Jeollabuk-do will distribute livelihood stabilization support funds on-site to all residents from the 15th to the 17th. The photo is for illustrative purposes only and is unrelated to the content. Photo by Yonhap News.
The support funds are available to residents who have maintained their registration in Buan County as of August 12 and continue to reside there until the application date. This also includes marriage immigrants and those with permanent residency status under relevant laws. The amount is 300,000 won per person and is provided in the form of a prepaid card.
The prepaid card can only be used at affiliated merchants within Buan County that have credit card terminals installed. However, certain businesses, such as entertainment venues, are excluded. The card must be used by November 30, and any unused balance after this deadline will be fully reclaimed by the county.
Concentrated Distribution from the 15th to the 17th... On-Site Delivery Implemented
Buan County has designated the period from September 15 to 17 as the “concentrated distribution period.” During this time, staff from the county office and township offices will visit villages directly to deliver the prepaid cards to residents. Those who are unable to receive the card during this period can visit their local township administrative welfare center from September 18 to October 31 to apply.
For families registered at the same address, the head of the household is, in principle, responsible for receiving the card. However, if the head of the household is unable to visit due to unavoidable circumstances, another family member may apply on their behalf. Details regarding the distribution locations, times, and other specifics can be found on the notices and announcements section of the Buan County Office website.
Kwon Ikhyeon, Governor of Buan County, stated, “To maximize the impact of the livelihood stabilization support funds, we are distributing them quickly through on-site delivery in each village. We hope that the Buan County livelihood stabilization support funds, which are provided separately from the livelihood recovery consumption coupons, will offer real help to residents and become an opportunity for the local economy to circulate positively.”
Local Governments Compete to Provide Support Funds Ahead of Chuseok
Ahead of Chuseok, some local governments have started providing their own livelihood support funds. The photo is for illustrative purposes to aid understanding of the article and is unrelated to the main text. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Similar support measures are being implemented by other local governments as well. Yeonggwang County in Jeollanam-do has been accepting applications since September 1 and is providing 500,000 won per person as livelihood economic recovery support funds. The county also distributed support funds of the same amount during the previous Lunar New Year. Hwasun County in Jeollanam-do will provide 100,000 won per person in livelihood stabilization support funds starting September 22. Gochang County in Jeollabuk-do plans to distribute 200,000 won per person as resident vitality support funds before Chuseok.
The reason local governments are distributing support funds before Chuseok is to maximize the effect on domestic demand, in conjunction with the second round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons provided by the government. However, there are criticisms that these are “populist policies,” especially considering the weak financial conditions of some local governments announcing these payments. In fact, Yeonggwang County’s fiscal independence rate is only 11.37%, and Hwasun County’s is just 13.47%.
The Government Also to Distribute Second Round of Consumption Coupons Starting September 22
In addition to local government support funds, the central government will also distribute the “second round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons.” This program will run from September 22 to October 31, providing 100,000 won per person to 90% of the population (excluding the top 10% by income).
Since the second round will be distributed only to the lower 90% income group, advance notice will be provided regarding eligibility. By signing up for the “Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon Notification” service through the National Secretary, individuals can receive advance information about their eligibility, application period and method, usage period, and other details related to the coupons.
From September 22, individuals can also directly check their eligibility for the second round of payments. Online inquiries can be made through the website, app, call center, or ARS of the card company they use, as well as through the National Health Insurance Service website (www.nhis.or.kr) or the “The National Health Insurance” app. Residents can also visit their local township administrative welfare centers or community centers to check their eligibility.
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