Gangneung, a city in Gangwon State, will pay every resident 100,000 won (about $71) in livelihood stability support starting in mid-November. The payment comes with no limits based on income, assets or age, meaning a four-person household will receive a total of 400,000 won.
The city said on the 30th that it had promulgated an ordinance on the payments and begun follow-up administrative procedures.
The Gangneung City Council approved the ordinance and the second supplementary budget for 2026 at the third plenary session of its 332nd regular session on the 22nd.
Each resident will receive 100,000 won, with no conditions attached such as income, assets or age. The money will be paid not in cash but in Gangneung Pay, the city's local currency, and the total budget for the program is 21.1 billion won.
The city plans to begin payments in mid-November after completing remaining steps, including a review by a deliberation committee on the support program. Details such as exact eligibility criteria, the application period and how to apply will be released through the city website once confirmed.
Gangneung expects the program to ease residents' living costs amid high prices and high interest rates while also boosting spending at neighborhood businesses and in the local economy, since the money can only be used within the city.
"I hope this support provides real help to residents going through a difficult time because of high prices and high interest rates, and that it also serves as a chance to revive struggling neighborhood businesses," Gangneung Mayor Kim Joong-nam said. "We will do our best to prepare so that every resident can receive the payment without inconvenience."
