Yangyang County in Gangwon State plans to provide local adolescents with up to 600,000 won ($420) a year, with eligibility set without regard to parental income or school enrollment.
No Income or Enrollment Test — Up to 600,000 Won a Year for Ages 12 to 18
Yangyang County said on the 19th that it is preparing to introduce a basic allowance for adolescents as one of the pledges of the ninth popularly elected local administration. The program aims to support cultural and educational activities for young people and ease the financial burden on households raising children.
Eligibility covers adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are registered as residents of Yangyang County as of the payment reference date. Neither income level nor school enrollment is part of the eligibility criteria.
The county is considering paying 150,000 won each quarter, four times a year. The maximum annual amount is 600,000 won, and the payments will be made not in cash but in Yangyang's local gift vouchers, which can be spent only at participating businesses within the county.
The county estimates about 900 people would be eligible. The budget required to run the program is projected at about 540 million won a year.
Payments Targeted for 2027, Using Local Currency for Education and Culture
The county is drawing up a detailed implementation plan with the goal of making the payments within 2027. It also plans to pursue administrative steps needed to put the program in place, including enacting a local ordinance.
The allowance is expected to be used for a range of activities, including buying books, exploring career paths, cultural outings and sports.
Narrowing gaps in educational and cultural experience that can arise depending on family circumstances is another main goal of the program. The county says it wants to help adolescents gain varied experiences and explore career options regardless of their economic situation.
The county also weighed the effect on the local economy. It judged that paying the allowance in local currency would channel spending to merchants within the county, giving a boost to small business owners' sales.
County Governor Kim Jung-joong said the county will "support adolescents so they can gain diverse experiences and prepare for their own futures regardless of their family's economic circumstances," adding, "We will steadily prepare to carry out the program so that it helps young people grow and eases the burden on households raising children."
Geochang and Cheongyang Also Run Youth Allowances, Paying Up to 840,000 Won a Year
Yangyang is not the only local government offering activity subsidies to adolescents. Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province has run a youth voucher program since 2023. This year it widened the eligible age range, paying between 200,000 won and 600,000 won a year to those aged 8 to 18, depending on age.
Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province also runs a voucher program, for adolescents aged 13 to 18. It pays between 50,000 won and 70,000 won a month, with a maximum of 840,000 won a year.