Haenam County has expressed support for the proposal to expand the Rural Basic Income pilot program to areas not selected for the initiative starting next year. The county is urging the use of integrated support funds for financial assistance.
The county emphasizes the need to address disparities in support among neighboring local governments based on whether they are selected for the government pilot program, asserting that Rural Basic Income should become a practical policy to combat the crisis of regional extinction.
According to Haenam County, Mayor Myung Hyun-kwan of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City proposed on October 8 during a press conference marking the 100th day of the city's launch to extend support to areas not selected for the Rural Basic Income pilot program starting next year.
Mayor Myung stated that the integrated special city would serve as a bridge to expand support ahead of the anticipated full implementation by the government in 2028. He also mentioned that they could consider utilizing part of a 20 trillion won integrated financial incentive if necessary, although specific funding distribution and implementation methods would need to be discussed with the respective counties.
Haenam County expects this proposal will help reduce support disparities among regions and address the decline in rural populations.
Previously, on September 19, Haenam County requested during a meeting of mayors and county heads of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City that integrated support funds be used to support Rural Basic Income in local governments not selected for the pilot program.
During a monthly meeting of department heads and town mayors on October 6, the need to expand support to all population-declining areas within the integrated special city was also raised alongside preparations for next year's government pilot program application.
Mayor Myung stated, "As we approach nationwide expansion in 2028, I urge the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City to consider proactively expanding the overall implementation. For unselected local governments, it seems reasonable to support 75% of the funding through the Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated support fund."
This suggestion stems from concerns that if Rural Basic Income is only implemented in certain areas, it could lead to population movement and equity issues among neighboring local governments regarding the benefits of support.
Haenam County believes that the annual 5 trillion won integrated support fund should also be utilized to address population decline in rural areas and stabilize residents' livelihoods.
Currently, there are 16 population-declining counties within the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, of which four—Sinan, Gokseong, Gurye, and Boseong—are implementing the Rural Basic Income pilot program.
The government has reflected in its budget plan the expansion of the Rural Basic Income pilot program from 17 counties to 35 counties nationwide next year, increasing the national funding support ratio from 40% to 50%.
Haenam County anticipates that the number of additional selected areas next year will reach three to four counties, which would reduce the number of unimplemented areas within the integrated special city to eight or nine counties.
According to Haenam County's estimates, expanding Rural Basic Income to the 12 counties not included in the existing four pilot areas could require up to 643 billion won in funding.
However, the actual project costs and funding distribution ratios may vary depending on the results of the additional selections for the government pilot program and the support methods of the integrated special city.
Separately from discussions on the integrated special city's expansion, Haenam County plans to actively respond to next year's government pilot program application.
The county intends to collaborate with the county council to establish ordinances related to Rural Basic Income and build a cooperative system among relevant departments, including budget, local economy, small businesses, and renewable energy.
To secure funding, the county is reviewing adjustments to project priorities and considering restructuring expenditure budgets by consolidating overlapping and similar projects.
Additionally, plans are underway to ensure that the distribution of Rural Basic Income leads to increased local consumption and sales for small businesses, creating a positive economic cycle.
Kang Myung-hwa, head of the Population Policy Team in the Future Community Department, stated, "We will work closely with the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City to prepare thoroughly for the government pilot program application, including full implementation next year. We hope this initiative will help overcome regional population decline and enhance the significance of cooperation in Jeonnam-Gwangju integration."
Meanwhile, Haenam County is reviewing its existing project plans to participate in the Rural Basic Income pilot program, considering the establishment of related ordinances and securing local funding. The county plans to continue administrative and financial preparations necessary for project implementation in line with the discussions on the integrated special city's expansion and the government's application schedule.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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