Hadong County Launches Independent Basic Income Program
Local government initiates monthly payments to combat regional population decline and economic instability.
1Independent Policy Initiative
Hadong County announced plans to launch its own basic income program after being excluded from the government's 2027 pilot project. The county is currently seeking public feedback on the proposed ordinance amendment until December 16. This move aims to provide financial support to residents using locally sourced municipal funds.
2Financial Support Structure
The proposed program involves distributing prepaid cards worth 50,000 won per person each month. Officials are currently reviewing the 2027 budget to allocate up to 24 billion won annually for this initiative. The county plans to finalize the legislative process within this year to ensure timely implementation of the payments.
3Drivers of Local Crisis
The decision stems from urgent concerns regarding the county's population falling below 40,000 residents. Additionally, the planned phase-out of the Hadong Thermal Power Plant poses a significant threat to the local economy. County leader Kim Hyun-soo emphasized that this policy is a direct response to the looming threat of regional extinction.
4Government Selection Context
The national government recently held a competition for a rural basic income pilot project. Out of nine counties in Gyeongnam province that applied, only Sancheong County was selected for recommendation. This exclusion prompted Hadong and other rejected municipalities to pursue independent strategies to address their specific local economic and demographic challenges.
5Broader Regional Response
Other municipalities in Gyeongnam province, including Geochang, are also initiating their own independent basic income programs. Counties like Hamyang and Hapcheon are viewing the government's rejection not as a failure, but as a catalyst to shift their policy paradigms. These regions are now exploring collaborative efforts to overcome shared demographic decline.
6Implementation and Planning
Following the legislative approval, the county will conduct town-level briefing sessions to explain the program details. Authorities are currently refining the specific 시행계획, or implementation plan, to ensure the funds are distributed effectively. This process involves careful consideration of eligibility criteria and long-term financial sustainability for the local government budget.
7Strategic Policy Shift
The move represents a significant departure from relying solely on central government support for regional development. By establishing a localized basic income, Hadong aims to stabilize its economy independently. The success of this program will depend on the county's ability to maintain funding while effectively addressing the underlying causes of depopulation.
8Future Monitoring Requirements
Observers should monitor how Hadong manages its fiscal resources to sustain the 24 billion won annual cost. The effectiveness of the prepaid card system in stimulating local consumption remains a key metric for success. Future updates will clarify the exact target demographics and the long-term impact on the county's population retention.
Original article: Kyunghyang — Hadong County Launches Independent Basic Income Program