Visit to Cheongsan-myeon for Rural Basic Income Pilot Project
"Impressive Order and Public-Private Collaboration" Praised
Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 17th that Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited the county on the 16th to inspect the progress of the basic income pilot project for rural areas and to gather feedback from local residents.
Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited Yeoncheon County on the 16th to inspect the progress of the basic income pilot project for farming and fishing villages. Photo by Yeoncheon County
This visit was organized to review the achievements of Cheongsan-myeon, which has proactively implemented a rural basic income since 2022, to check Yeoncheon County’s plans for the basic income pilot project for farming and fishing villages, and to listen to the concerns of local residents.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to operate a basic income pilot project for rural areas in regions experiencing population decline from 2026 to 2027 (for two years). The aim is to compensate residents for their contributions to the public good and to revitalize the local economy through increased consumption and expenditure.
Yeoncheon County began accepting pre-applications for the rural basic income on the 15th. Minister Song personally visited the Jeongok-eup Administrative Welfare Center to observe the application site and inspect the registration process.
A ticketing system was introduced at the site to clarify the waiting lines, and the procedures for guidance and calling were standardized to minimize confusion.
Minister Song particularly noted, "The installation of the ticketing system is impressive," and highly praised the on-site improvements aimed at reducing inconvenience for visiting applicants.
In addition, she confirmed that, through collaboration with the Volunteer Center, guidance staff were systematically assigned so that application counseling, document verification, and waiting management were carried out seamlessly. She commended the staff, saying, "Applications are being received in an orderly manner," and encouraged those involved.
Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited Yeoncheon County on the 16th to inspect the progress of the basic income pilot project for farming and fishing villages. Photo by Yeoncheon County
Minister Song Miryung stated, "As the scope of basic income support expands from Cheongsan-myeon to the entire Yeoncheon County starting in 2026, I hope Yeoncheon County will take a leading role in leveraging its experience to achieve tangible local revitalization. The government will also actively support meaningful outcomes."
Yeoncheon County plans to strengthen guidance and on-site responses during the application and registration process to prevent inconvenience for residents, and to refine the implementation system so that the pilot project delivers tangible benefits to the local economy.
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