A Qualitative Study on in-Migrants' Experiences with the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project: A Case Study of Cheongsan-Myeon, Gyeonggi Province

Background/Purpose: South Korea faces a demographic crisis marked by declining birth rates and a rapidly aging population, leading to the risk of population extinction in rural areas. The widening income gap between urban and rural regions further intensifies this challenge. In response, the Korean government has implemented experimental basic income policies in areas at risk of depopulation. One such initiative is the Rural Basic Income Pilot Project in Cheongsan-yeon, Gyeonggi Province, which provides unconditional income to all residents from 2022 to 2027. This study focuses on in-migrants—individuals who relocated to Cheongsan-myeon from other regions—and explores their experiences of participating in the pilot program.

Methods: This qualitative study examined changes in the lives of rural in-migrants, their evolving perceptions of basic income, and their migration and settlement experiences. The Cheongsan-myeon project is distinct in providing universal and unconditional income regardless of age or occupation. The study targeted individuals who officially relocated after May 2020. Between October 2023 and July 2024, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants. Data were analyzed using emic coding through Atlas.ti (version 9), and interpreted using Stake’s (1995) categorical aggregation and direct interpretation methods.

Results: Five main themes and 20 sub-hemes emerged: (1) Direct experience of the principles and values of basic income; (2) Basic income as support during the settlement process; (3) Development of positive attitudes toward basic income; (4) Negative perceptions of in-migrants receiving basic income; and (5) Limitations and usage constraints of the pilot project. These themes reflect how participants navigated the program in relation to community belonging and everyday life.

Conclusions and Implications: The study reveals both the empowering potential and perceived limitations of rural basic income among in-migrants. It suggests the need for integrated political and social support systems to ensure the success of basic income initiatives. Findings contribute to designing inclusive and sustainable policies in the broader context of regional revitalization and population challenges