[472 Social] Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income and Its Hidden Gaps

   For university students and young people who encounter various financial burdens such as living expenses, tuition fees, and transportation costs, financial support programs provided by local governments serve as an important safety net. Among them, the Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income aims to ensure both the livelihood stability of young people and the revitalization of the local economy. However, it still contains limitations and blind spots. This article examines the extent to which this program impacts the daily lives of young people and identifies the problems that have surfaced on the ground.

Overview of the Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income program

   The initiative was first introduced to the public in late 2018 as part of Gyeonggi-do’s broader youth policy framework. Following a five-month preparation period after securing approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the program was officially launched on April 1st, 2019. The Youth Basic Income system was established to uphold young people’s social rights, such as the pursuit of happiness and the improvement of quality of life. It is one of Gyeonggi-do’s youth support programs. The Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income is provided in the form of local currency to 24-year-old residents who have lived in Gyeonggi-do for three consecutive years or for a total of at least ten years. The local currency can only be used for designated business sectors within the applicant’s registered city or county of residence. The program provides 250,000 won per quarter, up to a maximum of one million won per year, and the balance expires if not used within three years. In some cities within Gyeonggi-do, the payment of the Youth Basic Income has been suspended due to budget shortfalls or the repeal of related ordinances.

The Blind Spot of Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income

   The Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income was designed to enhance the stability of young people’s social adaptation, but there is growing opinion that it has shifted towards placing greater emphasis on local economic revitalization. Although “Youth” is the defining term in the policy’s name, its provision in the form of local currency places a heavier focus on stimulating local consumption, Professor Heo Joon-su of the Department of Social Welfare at Soongsil University has stated. Given the diverse preferences of young people regarding where they wish to spend, he has argued that the program should allow spending in locations that align with their needs. As a result, there is a perception that the objective of revitalizing Gyeonggi-do’s regional economy sometimes takes precedence over direct youth support.

   This can conflict with the needs of beneficiaries, particularly in the cultural and professional education sectors, which are often concentrated outside Gyeonggi-do. Infrastructure is frequently clustered in Seoul, creating accessibility limitations. Restricting the use of local currency to the city of residence may be beneficial for local economic revitalization. However, it poses a significant obstacle for young people who wish to continue their studies or build careers by receiving specialized education in another city, or who aim to work in regions where specific industrial complexes or professional sectors are concentrated. For example, if industrial complexes, cultural industry hubs, or research clusters are located outside one’s city of residence, young people cannot use their allowances there, even if they travel for job-related training or networking. This constraint can disadvantage their practical living conditions, and in the long term, may negatively affect inter-regional talent mobility and industrial cooperation.

   The eligibility requirements of the Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income specify that recipients must be 24-years-old and have resided in Gyeonggi-do for either three consecutive years or a total of ten years. These conditions fail to reflect the actual mobility patterns of young people, creating blind spots. For instance, someone who grew up in Gyeonggi-do but lived in another region for several years for university studies, or job preparation would not meet the consecutive residency requirement and thus would be ineligible. Even if they return to Gyeonggi-do after graduation, they may completely miss the opportunity if the timing of their return does not align with both the age and residency requirements.

Expanding opportunities beyond basic income

   Recognizing these issues, Gyeonggi-do plans to expand the program’s usage range to cover the entire province and allow spending on academy tuition and examination fees. The details are scheduled to be announced on the official website after September 10th, 2025. However, online transactions will still be limited to registered affiliated merchants, and many specialized facilities are located outside Gyeonggi-do, leaving key accessibility issues unresolved.

   This situation demonstrates the need for policy design that goes beyond simple basic income provision. In order to form a foundation for genuine growth, the program must incorporate career development and long-term economic self-reliance. Experts emphasize the importance of linking the allowance with services such as career counseling, vocational training, mentoring, and networking, and activating other youth support programs that can be integrated with it. Ultimately, youth support policies must create a sustainable system that offers young people the stability to plan for their future and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the economy.

   The Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income carries two objectives: guaranteeing the basic rights of youth and revitalizing local consumption. However, usage restrictions and imbalances in infrastructure distribution limit its effectiveness in supporting career development and personal growth. For the program to operate sustainably and effectively in the future, it is essential to substantially expand the scope of local currency usage and to connect the scheme with services that enhance youth capabilities or to promote diverse youth policies. Even now, the Gyeonggi Youth Basic Income provides a valuable platform for youth to shape their futures and engage with their communities. With further improvements, it has the potential to enrich their lives even more and create deeper contributions to both local and broader society.