Since being selected as a pilot site for the rural basic income program, 878 people have moved to Hwacheon as of August 18. The total population of the county increased by 649 from June 11 to September 11, reflecting both migration and other population changes.
According to Hwacheon County on September 14, 878 individuals registered their move between June 11 and August 18. Based on the trend of incoming residents, the county estimates that the number of new arrivals has reached around 1,000 as of September 8. The 878 figure is confirmed, while the 1,000 estimate is provisional.
During the same period, the county's total population grew from 22,312 on June 11 to 22,961 on September 11. The difference between the number of new residents and the population increase is due to out-migration and other demographic changes.
Among the new residents, the largest group came from Chuncheon, with 208 individuals. Other notable sources included Seoul with 107, Incheon with 39, and Goyang, Daegu, and Wonju each contributing 22, along with 21 from Yangju.
Hwacheon is one of seven counties selected for the rural basic income pilot program by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 11. Eligible residents will receive 150,000 won per month in the form of local love gift certificates after confirming their residency. According to the county, those who moved after June 11 will receive retroactive payments after a three-month residency verification.
Spending data for the local currency has also been collected. From the first payment date of August 28 to September 10, approximately 27.7 billion won was spent in Hwacheon. This spending included transactions at restaurants, academies, convenience stores, and gas stations. However, this amount alone cannot be used to determine the overall increase in local consumption or small business revenue.
Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon, stated, “We will promote necessary support, such as the supply of medium and large rental housing, to help newly arrived residents settle in and live stably.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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