Cheongyang County Begins Accepting Applications for 'Rural Basic Income'

Governor Kim Taeheum’s Decision for Province to Cover 30% of Costs Allows Project to Overcome Suspension Crisis

The Rural Basic Income Pilot Project in Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong Province, which had faced suspension due to issues over the provincial government’s cost-sharing ratio, will resume as normal following Governor Kim Taeheum’s decision for the province to cover 30% of the funding.

On December 18, Cheongyang County announced that it would accept applications for the 'Rural Basic Income Pilot Project' from December 22 until January 30 of the following year. The project aims to support the basic livelihood stability of local residents and establish a virtuous cycle in the regional economy. Eligible residents will receive 150,000 won per month in the form of local currency gift certificates.

The funding issue, which had arisen during the central government’s restructuring of local government cost-sharing arrangements, has been resolved by Governor Kim Taeheum’s decision for the province to shoulder 30% of the costs, allowing the project to proceed as planned.

As a result, the confusion and administrative gaps that had unsettled residents ahead of the application period are also expected to be resolved.

This project targets residents who are officially registered and actually residing in Cheongyang County, providing them with 150,000 won per month in the form of local currency gift certificates (either mobile or check card).

The county expects that distributing the payments as local currency, rather than cash, will stimulate local consumption, boost sales for small businesses, and have a positive ripple effect on the regional economy.

Applications must be submitted in person at the local town or township office corresponding to the applicant’s registered address, and a valid ID is required.

Minors or individuals under guardianship may apply through a proxy; in such cases, the proxy must submit their own ID and documents proving the relationship, such as a family relationship certificate.

New residents who have moved in after October 20 must submit additional documents to verify actual residency, such as a purchase or lease contract, photographs proving residence, or utility bills.

Foreign nationals must submit one of the following: a foreign registration card, a copy of the resident registration, a permanent residency certificate, or a refugee recognition certificate. Overseas Koreans must provide an ID and a certificate of domestic residence.

Residents must install the local currency app and receive a check card. For elderly residents or those who have difficulty using smartphones, the county will provide on-site assistance at town and township offices to help with app installation and card issuance.

Additionally, the county will operate intensive application periods for each village and actively inform residents of the application schedule and detailed procedures through various channels, including village leader meetings, village broadcasts, and text messages, to minimize missed applications.

Governor Kim Donggon stated, “I sincerely apologize to the residents for the confusion caused by the postponement of the application schedule due to the cost-sharing issue. Now that Governor Kim Taeheum of South Chungcheong Province has decided that the province will cover 30% of the costs, the foundation for the project has been secured. I encourage all eligible residents to apply within the designated period to receive the benefits.”

He added, “I will see this project through to the end with a sense of responsibility so that the Rural Basic Income can revitalize the local economy and contribute to the recovery of the community.”