Responding to Local Extinction Crisis
Realizing Basic Income and a Basic Society
Gokseong County in South Jeolla Province announced on December 3 that it has been additionally selected as a target site for the "Rural Basic Income Pilot Project" promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
This additional selection is the result of Gokseong County's persistent efforts and the strong desire of its residents. The county was recognized for its project implementation capabilities by being selected as one of 12 out of 49 local governments in the first round of applications, but was ultimately excluded from the final seven pilot regions.
Undeterred, Gokseong County joined forces with the five counties that were eliminated in the second round, issuing a joint statement at a National Assembly press conference, delivering the statement to Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae, and meeting with Budget Committee Chairman Han Byungdo. The county made every effort to strongly urge the central government and the National Assembly for additional selection.
In particular, to expand public consensus on the need for additional selection, the county held a residents' resolution rally and the Gokseong County Council (chaired by Kang Deokgu) issued a statement at the council level, demonstrating unity among residents, the administration, and the council. Local social organizations also successively called for Gokseong's additional selection for the basic income pilot project, and the strong desire of the residents played a significant role in conveying their message to the central government.
The Rural Basic Income Pilot Project, to be implemented from 2026 to 2027 for two years, will provide residents who are registered in Gokseong County and have lived there for at least 30 days with 150,000 won per month (1.8 million won annually) in local gift certificates. The project aims not only to provide simple support, but also to establish a local currency circulation system to revitalize the local economy and lay the foundation for residents' livelihood stability.
The county plans to develop a "Gokseong-style specialized model" by linking basic income with local extinction response strategies, operating mobile vitality markets, fostering cooperatives based on local communities, and increasing consumption through Gokseong Mall.
Gokseong County Governor Jo Sangrae stated, "This additional selection is a valuable achievement created together by the administration and residents," adding, "Through basic income, we will enhance the stability of residents' lives and build a healthy economic structure where the local economy circulates positively, thereby contributing to the realization of a basic society."
He continued, "In a situation where the crisis of local extinction is becoming a reality, rural basic income is not mere welfare, but an innovative response for the future. We will meticulously design the local currency circulation system and present a specialized model unique to Gokseong County, making it the most prominent rural basic income case in the country."
Going forward, Gokseong County plans to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to establish institutional foundations and specify the payment system, while simultaneously promoting related policies such as support for small businesses and community revitalization, to create tangible changes that residents can feel.
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