Thirty-four counties have applied for the 2027 rural basic income pilot, competing for about 18 places among 52 eligible counties. The Agriculture Ministry said the government plans to raise the national funding share to 50%, with provincial and county governments each covering 25%, while a separate analysis reported that the overall local-government burden could more than double as coverage expands.
Each resident would receive 150,000 won a month in local gift certificates under the proposed program. The ministry plans to announce provisional selections around November 19, although the final number and program details may change after Parliament approves the 2027 budget and officials account for each selected county's population.