농어촌기본소득 ‘좋아유~’…충북 옥천 인구 반등세 전환 ‘방긋’

Okcheon County in Chungbuk Province is experiencing a positive demographic shift, with its population showing signs of recovery. This turnaround is largely attributed to the successful implementation of the "Rural Basic Income" program, affectionately nicknamed 'Jo-a-yu~'. The program provides a financial safety net for residents, encouraging them to stay and fostering a sense of community stability. This initiative appears to be effectively countering the long-standing trend of rural population decline.

The success of Okcheon's rural basic income program offers a potential model for revitalizing other declining rural areas facing similar demographic challenges.