Dongdaemun-gu Allocates 138.1 Billion Won Supplementary Budget...Walking Together with the Vulnerable

Dongdaemun-gu, Preparation of the 1st Supplementary Budget Proposal for 2023

Supplementary Budget Proposal of 138.1 billion KRW... Final Confirmation Scheduled at the ‘321st Regular Meeting Plenary Session’ of the District Council on June 21

Focus on Revitalizing the Local Economy, Supporting Vulnerable Groups, Promoting Cultural Activities, and Creating a Safe and Pleasant Environment

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) has prepared a supplementary budget proposal of 138.1 billion KRW for 2023 and submitted it to the district council.

The district has allocated 125.6 billion KRW for the general account and 12.5 billion KRW for the special account to realize a “pleasant Dongdaemun, safe Dongdaemun, and transparent Dongdaemun,” and separately prepared a fund operation plan proposal of 48.8 billion KRW.

This budget proposal is scheduled to be finalized on the 21st of next month after deliberation and resolution by the Dongdaemun District Council.

The preparation of this supplementary budget proposal focuses on promoting various pledged projects, revitalizing the local economy, supporting vulnerable groups, enhancing residents’ safety, creating a pleasant environment, and promoting cultural activities.

In particular, the budget proposal emphasizes expanding the safety net around Bapppur, environmental maintenance of large-scale apartment complexes scheduled to move into the Cheongnyangni area, and improving residents’ leisure activities through maintenance of Jungnangcheon, Seongbukcheon, and Jeongneungcheon streams, aiming to create a happy Dongdaemun-gu.

Creating a Safe and Pleasant Environment

The district plans to actively promote maintenance of densely populated facilities and the environment to create a safe and pleasant environment. To this end, the budget includes △19 billion KRW for management of the Residents’ Sports Center facilities △500 million KRW for the construction of smart media poles △540 million KRW for general waste disposal △2.5 billion KRW for road facility maintenance △2.4 billion KRW for back alley road maintenance △700 million KRW for sewage facility maintenance and management △1 billion KRW for sewer dredging △730 million KRW for park maintenance △1.5 billion KRW for street trees and green belt maintenance.

Additionally, to enhance pedestrian safety, the budget includes △150 million KRW for maintenance of crosswalk floodlights △270 million KRW for the pedestrian road construction project on Janghan-ro 5-gil, and for disaster and accident preparedness, △40 million KRW for flood and wind damage insurance premiums.

Furthermore, the district has allocated 460 million KRW for a feasibility study on revitalizing the 5-No Streets (no illegal buildings, no stalls, no signboards, no illegal parking, no road encroachment), aiming to present short-term improvement plans and a long-term roadmap by region and sector to create a bright and pleasant Dongdaemun-gu.

Improvement of the Environment Around Bapppur and Promotion of Related Current Issues

With large-scale apartment complexes in the Cheongnyangni area about to be occupied, the district has prepared a budget to proactively address residents’ inconveniences. To improve the environment around ‘Bapppur,’ where continuous complaints have been raised, the budget includes △100 million KRW for installation of CCTV for school route security △30 million KRW for smart pole Wi-Fi installation △40 million KRW for school zone (school route) maintenance △20 million KRW for urban gallery creation △330 million KRW for road maintenance and environmental improvement △400 million KRW for green belt maintenance, with additional project funds to be secured through application for Seoul City’s special adjustment grants.

Also, to promote current issues related to pledged projects, 1.6 billion KRW has been allocated for five projects. Specifically, these include △460 million KRW for the creation of a fashion sewing complex support center △280 million KRW for climate change response initiatives △230 million KRW for street environment improvement in the Cheongnyangni area △280 million KRW for the flower city creation project △350 million KRW for LED security light installation.

Revitalizing the Local Economy

To intensively foster the district’s representative manufacturing industry, the fashion sewing industry, a budget proposal of 450 million KRW has been prepared to improve the environment of clothing manufacturing companies. To create an environment where young people can become independent, △60 million KRW has been allocated for youth mall revitalization support projects and △30 million KRW for youth challenge support projects.

In particular, to draw a blueprint for the future city of Dongdaemun-gu, the budget includes △300 million KRW for a smart city mid- to long-term master plan study △370 million KRW for a management plan study to create a specialized market in the Yakryeongsi area △200 million KRW for a comprehensive development plan for the Jangan-dong area △30 million KRW for appraisal and complex development promotion around Sinimun Station.

Additionally, 860 million KRW has been allocated for the Seoul Citizen Safety Job Project to expand recruitment and promote livelihood and employment stability, thereby contributing to overcoming the stagnant local economy.

Supporting Vulnerable Groups

The district has allocated 1.45 billion KRW for cooling cost support to assist energy-vulnerable groups affected by recent public utility price increases, and 110 million KRW to practically address the recently emerging issue of solitary deaths.

Moreover, the budget includes △150 million KRW for senior citizen center operation and facility support △30 million KRW for fall prevention safety equipment support for low-income seniors △30 million KRW for work incentive allowances for disabled workers at vocational rehabilitation facilities △100 million KRW for the Dongdaemun-gu type safe home repair project △710 million KRW for four projects including the Tomorrow Savings Account △610 million KRW for senior job projects, continuing support for vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, to address the low birthrate issue, the budget includes △500 million KRW for support for infertile couples △720 million KRW for postpartum care expenses for mothers △220 million KRW for children’s vaccinations △410 million KRW for childcare fees for infants (0-2 years old) △210 million KRW for parental leave encouragement allowances.

Promoting Residents’ Cultural and Sports Activities

The district plans to invest approximately 3.6 billion KRW to maintain Jungnangcheon, Seongbukcheon, and Jeongneungcheon streams, which are popular leisure spots for residents, making them safer and more pleasant.

Specifically, the budget includes △550 million KRW for the creation of a waterside caf? on Jungnangcheon △700 million KRW for maintenance of the walking trail and installation of odor reduction facilities around the Hwikyung reservoir on Jungnangcheon △800 million KRW for expansion work on the entrance stairs (Jungnanggyo, Jangpyeonggyo) of Jungnangcheon △400 million KRW for maintenance of the 5th Sports Park camping site on Jungnangcheon △580 million KRW for creation of a cultural space along the embankment road of Jungnangcheon △500 million KRW for installation of safety fences on the Jeongneungcheon walking trail △100 million KRW for installation of access stairs on Seongbukcheon.

Also, to create a Dongdaemun-gu rich in culture and history, about 230 million KRW has been allocated for the Cheongryong Cultural Festival, Cultural Foundation events, and Car-Free Day. Additionally, 1.4 billion KRW has been allocated to expand attractions and experiential opportunities at the Dapsimni Film Media Art Center and to build a woodworking experience center at Cheonjangsan, aiming to create new landmarks in Dongdaemun-gu.

A district official stated, “We included residents’ long-awaited projects that could not be reflected in the 2023 main budget in this supplementary budget to promote residents’ safety, revitalize the local economy, support vulnerable groups, and activate cultural life,” adding, “We will do our best to execute the budget prepared for a happy Dongdaemun-gu.”