Taipei:North Gyeongsang Province President Lee Jae Myung visited a southeastern province on Saturday to examine a government pilot program that provides a monthly basic income to residents of depopulated rural towns.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee disclosed details of his unannounced visit to North Gyeongsang Province through a social media post, where he extended greetings to the residents of Yeongyang and Cheongsong counties within the province.
The basic income scheme, introduced by the Lee administration, allocates 150,000 won (US$112) per month in gift vouchers to local residents. Currently, 69 counties across the nation have been identified as regions with declining populations, with 17 of these areas participating in the pilot program.
In his social media update after the visit, Lee stated that he engaged with local residents and small business owners, affirming that the basic income initiative is aiding their livelihoods and revitalizing local commercial areas. He emphasized the importance of fostering farming and fishing communities where current residents can remain and new settlers can be welcomed.
President Lee also announced plans to expand the basic income program to more rural and fishing communities to facilitate these changes.