Unprecedented Surge in Rural Population After Basic Income Policy
Concerns Remain Over Fictitious Residency and Fiscal Burden
As the phenomenon of rural depopulation accelerates due to low birth rates and an aging population, certain areas selected as target zones for the government's basic income program for rural farming and fishing villages are experiencing an exceptional "population rebound." While it is analyzed that policy expectations have driven a short-term influx, there are concerns that further discussions on long-term settlement and fiscal burdens are inevitable.
The population is unusually increasing in areas selected as basic income target zones for rural farming and fishing villages by the government. The Asia Business Daily DB · ChatGPT
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and other sources on November 18, residents living in seven counties-Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi Province, Jeongseon in Gangwon Province, Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province, Sunchang in North Jeolla Province, Shinan in South Jeolla Province, Yeongyang in North Gyeongsang Province, and Namhae in South Gyeongsang Province-will receive a monthly rural basic income of 150,000 won for two years. The main purpose of this initiative is to revitalize regions at risk of extinction due to population decline by providing cash payments. The payments are made in the form of local gift certificates, and there are no age or income restrictions, so a four-person household receives 600,000 won per month. The government is also considering expanding the program nationwide after the two-year pilot project.
Cheongyang County Sees 'Surprise Rebound' After 7 Years of Decline
Since the policy was announced, the population in the target areas has increased noticeably. As of November 12, the population of Cheongyang County stood at 29,482, an increase of 404 compared to the end of September. After seven consecutive years of decline, the population reversed course and began to grow in just a month and a half. An official from the county stated, "Considering out-migration and natural decrease, the actual influx is likely even larger," adding, "There has been a significant increase in inquiries about meeting the residency requirements to receive the basic income."
Namhae County Also Sees '131% Surge'... All Counties Show Simultaneous Growth
Namhae County is also experiencing a remarkable increase in incoming residents. According to county data, 272 people moved in during September, but this number surged to 629 in October, immediately after the pilot project was confirmed. This is an increase of 357 people (about 131%) in just one month, marking the largest increase since 2007. Until the 18th month of this year, Namhae County had been losing 20 to 130 residents each month. Since the county’s population fell below 40,000 at the end of last year, the number had been steadily declining, so a rebound for two consecutive months is considered highly unusual.
Other Counties Also Shift to Growth
Other regions show similar trends. In Yeoncheon (Gyeonggi Province), Jeongseon (Gangwon Province), Sunchang (North Jeolla Province), Shinan (South Jeolla Province), and Yeongyang (North Gyeongsang Province), the population, which had been declining until July and August, began to increase starting in September. The increases were 1,020 people in Shinan, 343 in Jeongseon, and 337 in Sunchang. Given that rural population decline has been a long-term and structural trend, this change is analyzed as an immediate effect of policy-driven expectations.
Concerns About False Residency and Fiscal Burden... "Long-Term Settlement Is Key"
However, it remains uncertain whether this rapid influx of people will lead to long-term residency. There are concerns about a temporary "balloon effect" or the possibility of false residency registrations aimed at receiving the basic income. In particular, some local governments have low fiscal independence, so if the program is expanded nationwide, the financial burden could increase significantly.
Each county also considers the settlement rate to be a key variable that will determine the success or failure of future population policies, and plans to implement practical support measures such as improving living conditions and providing educational, medical, and housing support. Namhae County stated, "The recent population increase is the result of heightened expectations for the introduction of rural basic income, leading to an influx of actual residents from neighboring cities," adding, "We will spare no policy support to help newcomers successfully settle in the region."
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