[What’s Changing Next Year] Residents of Yeoncheon, Jeongseon, Okcheon, Sunchang, Yeongyang, and More to Receive 150,000 Won Monthly “Rural Basic Income”

Here’s What Will Change from 2026

In response to the decline of rural areas, including revitalizing local economies and restoring communities, the “Rural Basic Income Pilot Project” will begin next year. In addition, the maximum monthly government subsidy for farmers’ National Pension premiums will be raised to 50,350 won, and the age range for special health checkups for female farmers will be expanded to 51-80 years old.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance published a booklet on December 31 titled “Here’s What Will Change from 2026,” which includes these measures.

The Rural Basic Income Pilot Project is one of President Lee Jaemyung’s key pledges. From 2026, for two years, residents in areas at risk of depopulation will receive 150,000 won per month in local gift certificates. Eligible areas include ten counties experiencing population decline: Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi, Jeongseon in Gangwon, Okcheon in North Chungcheong, Cheongyang in South Chungcheong, Sunchang and Jangsu in North Jeolla, Sinan and Gokseong in South Jeolla, Yeongyang in North Gyeongsang, and Namhae in South Gyeongsang. Residents who have had their resident registration in the project area for at least 30 days prior to application may apply to receive the rural basic income.

Starting next year, the maximum monthly government subsidy for farmers’ National Pension premiums will increase from 46,350 won this year to 50,350 won. This measure is intended to encourage stable retirement by expanding access to old-age pensions for farmers.

Medical services such as the rural house-call bus and special health checkups for female farmers will also be expanded. For the house-call bus, ten additional cities and counties, including Yeoncheon, Cheongyang, and Yeongdong, will be added to the existing areas, expanding the service to 112 regions in 2026. The special health checkup program for female farmers, aimed at preventing occupational diseases, will expand the eligible age range from 51-70 in 2025 to 51-80 in 2026, and the number of recipients will increase from 50,000 this year to 80,000 next year.

Support for the renovation of vacant houses to improve rural living conditions will also be expanded. For vacant homes requiring demolition (30,000 units), the maximum demolition subsidy per house will be raised from 7 million won to 16 million won.

The food support program, previously limited to vulnerable groups, will be expanded to employees of small and medium-sized enterprises starting in 2026. The “Hearty Meal” support program will provide either breakfast or lunch to 54,000 SME employees.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will also promote the creation of a K-Gastronomy Belt (Chicken Belt) to boost domestic tourism. Through the K-Gastronomy Belt, the ministry plans to enhance unique regional experience and tourism programs and introduce culinary tourism products that link ingredients, cooking, and culture.

From next year, more companies will be eligible to move into the National Food Cluster. Businesses engaged in food repackaging and sales (dividing and distributing finished food or food additives) and pet food manufacturers (producers of animal feed for companion animals) will also be allowed to join.