Okcheon County's rural basic income program spurs population recovery

Okcheon County in North Chungcheong Province is celebrating a significant population rebound, reversing years of decline and alleviating fears of extinction. The county's total population has surpassed 50,000, and the central Okcheon Town has reached 30,000 residents, milestones not seen in four and eleven years, respectively.

Officials attribute this demographic recovery primarily to the rural basic income program launched in January. This program distributes 150,000 won monthly via a local currency, the Hyangsu OK Card, to residents registered for over 30 days who live in the county for at least three days a week. As of March, approximately 45,687 residents receive this support, totaling over 6.8 billion won disbursed monthly.

The impact of the basic income extends beyond mere population figures. It has spurred local economic activity, with residents actively spending the funds within the county. In Cheongseong-myeon, residents have formed cooperatives to sell local produce and essential goods, with plans to open restaurants and cafes. "The rural basic income has increased the population and vitalized distribution, injecting both money and life into the region," said Lee Yu-kyung, a civil affairs team official. "We are also preparing support policies to ensure the increased population settles stably."

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The rural basic income has increased the population and vitalized distribution, injecting both money and life into the region. We are also preparing support policies to ensure the increased population settles stably.