Gyeonggi Province: Social Aid Distribution Tackling Economic Impact of Pandemic

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung (second from left) announced Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income payment plan on March 24, 2020.

TO reduce the economic impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Gyeonggi Province has implemented Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income programme, a large-scale initiative that distributes social aid (KRW 100,000) to its local people.

Distribution of the social aid is made in the form of local currency or prepaid cards to local people regardless of their assets, income levels, or employment activities. The goal is to create a stable living foundation while also contributing to the security of basic rights and the revitalisation of the local economy. Therefore, it can be used at local supermarkets, hospitals, and restaurants but not at department stores, large discount stores, or gambling centres.

The programme has shown positive impact as reflected on Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income Effect and Satisfaction Survey (conducted from 15 to 16 May 2020): 85 percent of respondents said that Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income programme has been beneficial for their families; 80 percent of recipients indicated that they “used local stores instead of large discount stores”; and 87 percent expressed expectations that Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income would help self-employed people overcome financial difficulties due to COVID-19.

Decision to implement Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income programme was made on 24 March 2020. The distribution of the aid was conducted within a 15-day period from policy ratification to execution. The initiative was executed successfully on 9 April 2020 and most local people (94.3 percent) received it on 22 May 2020.

Gyeonggi Province is an active member of UCLG ASPAC. Located in the central western part of the Korean Peninsula, Gyeonggi Province surrounds Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea and is inhabited by approximately 24 million people, accounting for almost half of the total population of Korea.

Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province led briefing on Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income payment methods and usage on April 1, 2020.
Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province led briefing on Gyeonggi Disaster Basic Income payment methods and usage on April 1, 2020.

Source:

  1. Contribution of International Relations Specialist of Foreign Affairs & Trade division of Gyeonggi Provincial Government
  2. https://english.gg.go.kr/population/
  3. https://english.gg.go.kr/history/