Cheongyang-gun population tops 30,000 as minister vows to legislate rural basic income

The population of Cheongyang-gun in South Chungcheong Province, where a rural basic income pilot project is underway, has recovered to 30,000. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to pursue legislation this year, drawing on cases of regional revitalization achieved by linking basic income with lifestyle services.

Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong visited Daechi-myeon in Cheongyang-gun on Tuesday to review the progress of the rural basic income pilot project and held a meeting with local residents.

Since the basic income program launched, the population of Cheongyang-gun has risen by 973, or 3.3 percent, from 29,078 to 30,051, recovering to above the 30,000 mark. The number of merchants affiliated with the local currency network also grew 20.6 percent, from 1,097 to 1,323.

Of the 55 newly affiliated merchants, 18 were started by young entrepreneurs. Lifestyle services linked to the basic income program — including home repair, delivery, cleaning, free meals at senior centers and transportation support for mobility-limited areas — have taken root in the community, the ministry said.

Following the meeting, Song visited the home of an elderly resident in need of home repair service, replacing light fixtures and checking on the operation of lifestyle services.

"This is a fine example of basic income and lifestyle services working together," Song said. "I hope the Cheongyang model continues to expand."

She added that Tuesday's visit completed her review of all 10 counties running the basic income pilot, with Cheongyang-gun being the last stop. "We will reflect the voices from the field in policy to overcome regional depopulation and pursue legislation of basic income within the year," she said.