The Joy and Sorrow of Basic Income Consumption [Not Seoul]

Residents of a rural village in North Korea have been selected for a pilot basic income program. The village of Muyeong-gun had applied for the program in October and December of the previous year, but was unsuccessful. The news of the selection brought a sense of relief. A friend shared tips on how to utilize the basic income. They advised downloading the app specifically for basic income, checking where it could be used, and finding places where basic income could be spent.

At first, the news seemed insignificant, but on July 15th, a text message arrived informing them to apply for the government-funded basic income by July 31st. Only then did they realize the significance of the program. The monthly allowance of 150,000 won would be used for expenses such as fuel, transportation, healthcare, and more.

Being from a rural area, these expenses were necessary and could not be avoided. After visiting the Assistance for Welfare Center directly to complete the application, the resident faced scorching heat, as days without rain continued to stretch on. Residing in a village without rain meant starting each day with an early morning routine of gathering herbs, vegetables, and fruits before heading home by 8 am.

The daily routine of walking to the bus stop in the scorching heat was unbearable, leading to the decision of using a free shuttle service only when necessary. When traveling to the village, planning was essential. A 15-20 minute drive brought them from the village to the town center, while it took just 5 minutes to reach the town center itself.

On this day, the resident took a bus to the town center to complete the application, then returned to their home. Upon completing the application, a guidebook was handed to them, indicating that both Muyeong and Yeon residents could use the program. The guidebook mentioned that the program was designed to prevent consumption from becoming concentrated in certain areas.

With the limited usage, entrepreneurs were emerging in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and village markets by combining the usage. This resulted in a positive consumption cycle within the village and the emergence of community-based organizations that established market stalls or pop-up shops, contributing to the local economy.

The resident wondered how they could make the most of the basic income. They spent the most during the first half of the year at the Village Shop, purchasing vegetables, fruits, and items that were difficult or expensive to grow in their backyard. While it made life easier, they felt anxious about the increased spending and the inability to use traditional loyalty cards at local markets.

They decided to use the government-funded basic income to buy bread or dine out at restaurants, as these were not available in the village. Ultimately, they hoped for a village shop that could handle all their needs, supported by a supply chain that could transport goods from the village. Additionally, they envisioned an interconnected space where daily exchanges, conversations, and self-governance could take place, allowing for the cultivation of self-sufficient farmers and support for small business owners.