A Sign of Hope: Money for Rural Residents

In Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province, a sign at a local supermarket reads: "You can spend your 150,000 KRW Rural Basic Income here." This is part of a bold experiment to keep small towns alive.

How Much and Who Receives It?

Every resident living in specific parts of Yeoncheon-gun receives 150,000 KRW (about $110 USD) every month. The money is given as 'Local Currency' (special money or points that can only be used at small shops within the local district).

"This extra income helps with grocery bills and makes people visit the local market instead of traveling to a big city mall."

Solving the Problem of "Vanishing Towns"

South Korea is facing a crisis called Depopulation (a situation where so many people leave for big cities that a town might eventually disappear). When people leave, schools, hospitals, and stores start to close down.

The Goals of This Project

  • Attracting Newcomers: Encouraging people from crowded cities to move to the countryside for the financial benefit.
  • Boosting the Local Economy: Ensuring that money stays within the village to help small business owners.
  • Basic Financial Security: Helping lower-income families afford basic needs like food and medicine every month.