Jeongseon County Secures 30% Provincial Funding for Rural Basic Income
Applications Open from December 22... 150,000 Won Per Person Monthly
Project Gains Momentum with 30% Provincial Funding Secured Through 2027
Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province (County Mayor Choi Seungjun) has gained significant momentum for its "Basic Income Pilot Project for Rural Areas," a key policy aimed at overcoming the population extinction crisis, thanks to securing financial support from Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
Jeongseon County (County Governor Choi Seungjun) staff are accepting applications for the "Basic Income Pilot Project for Rural and Fishing Villages," a key policy to overcome the population extinction crisis. Provided by Jeongseon County
On December 22, Jeongseon County announced that Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province has decided to cover 30% of the local funding portion for the Basic Income Pilot Project for Rural Areas. As a result, the project’s funding has been finalized as 40% from the national government, 30% from the provincial government, and 30% from the county government. This decision is expected to significantly reduce the county’s financial burden and ensure the project’s stability and sustainability.
The Basic Income Project for Rural Areas is a policy designed to address the worsening population extinction crisis caused by an aging population, population decline, and unstable agricultural income. As a core pledge of the 8th popularly elected administration, Jeongseon County has made the introduction of basic income its top administrative priority, continuously implementing resident-focused policies such as providing livelihood recovery support funds to all residents in March.
With the securing of 30% provincial funding, the county will begin accepting applications for the Basic Income Pilot Project for Rural Areas. Applications can be submitted from December 22, 2025, to January 31, 2026, after which applications will be accepted year-round.
Applicants must submit their applications in person at the administrative welfare center of their town or township of residence. For residents with mobility difficulties, a visiting service for application submission will also be available.
The basic income will be provided through the "Wawa Pay Card," a card-type local gift certificate. Paper gift certificates will not be issued. However, for residents without a mobile phone registered in their name or those who have difficulty opening a bank account, a separate prepaid card will be issued to ensure convenient access to the benefit.
The basic income will be paid at 150,000 won per person per month (600,000 won per month for a family of four) for two years, from 2026 to 2027.
Recipients will be finalized after verifying their actual residence and eligibility, followed by a review by the town or township committee.
Jeongseon County (County Governor Choi Seungjun) is accepting applications for the "Basic Income Pilot Project for Rural Areas," a key policy to overcome the risk of population extinction. Provided by Jeongseon County
Additionally, new residents who move in after October 20 can apply 30 days after their move-in date. If they meet the actual residence requirement for 90 days after applying, they will receive a lump-sum payment for three months.
For inquiries regarding the Basic Income for Rural Areas, residents can contact the Economic Affairs Division of Jeongseon County Office or the administrative welfare center of their town or township of residence.
Choi Seungjun, Mayor of Jeongseon County, stated, "This decision to provide provincial funding will serve as a strong support for the stable establishment of the Basic Income for Rural Areas," adding, "We will focus our administrative efforts to ensure that the basic income genuinely supports the livelihood stability of our residents and serves as a catalyst to revitalize rural areas facing the risk of extinction."
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