County Administration to Focus on Rural Basic Income Pilot Project Through 2026
Kim Donggon, Governor of Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province, has formalized a Cheongyang-style regional development strategy centered on the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project, expressing his intention to make next year a turning point for county administration where residents can truly feel a change in their daily lives.
At a press briefing on December 23, Governor Kim stated, "This year was a time to lay the foundation for policy experimentation and structural transformation," adding, "By 2026, these achievements must become a turning point that leads to real changes in the daily lives of our residents."
This year, Cheongyang County was selected for the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project, making it one of only seven counties among 49 nationwide, and the only one in South Chungcheong Province to be chosen.
Through this project, the county plans to provide residents with 150,000 won per month, delivered in a form that can be used within the local community.
Governor Kim explained, "Basic income is not simply a cash assistance policy, but a core strategy to boost local consumption, restore community, and respond to population decline. It is especially meaningful because it is a policy prepared jointly by the administration and residents through the enactment of an ordinance and a county-wide petition signed by more than 5,000 people."
In the tourism sector, the governor highlighted the development of Chilgap Lake tourism resources as a major achievement. Chilgap Tower and the Skywalk attracted more than 30,000 visitors within just over a month of opening, and the county plans to pursue follow-up projects to strengthen infrastructure for longer-stay tourism.
To improve residential conditions, the county is also carrying out a project for 187 privately developed apartment units in Cheongyang-eup and 362 units of Chungnam-style public rental housing.
Governor Kim stated, "In 2026, we will complete the Cheongyang-style regional development model by strengthening policy linkages centered on basic income."
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