Dongdaemun-gu, Next Year's Main Budget Set at 805.3 Billion Won

Strategic Fiscal Investment Amid Challenging Financial Conditions: 786 Billion KRW in General Accounts, 19.3 Billion KRW in Special Accounts -
Focused on a Warm City Supporting the Vulnerable, Carbon Neutrality, and a Disaster-ZERO City with Everyday Safety -

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) announced on the 24th that it has prepared and submitted the proposed 2024 budget totaling 805.3 billion KRW to the district council.

This budget proposal consists of 786 billion KRW in the general account and 19.3 billion KRW in the special account, reflecting an increase of 7.5 billion KRW (0.95%) compared to this year's original budget. This is the smallest increase (0.77%) in the general account budget proposals over the past 10 years.

With an expected decrease in revenue next year due to the economic downturn, the district reduced the budget by cutting departmental business promotion expenses and office management costs by 10%. To ensure sound financial management, the district carefully reviewed whether any budget was being used inefficiently and allocated resources appropriately.

Additionally, to achieve the district’s strategic goals of a “pleasant, enjoyable, livelihood-focused, safe, and new Dongdaemun,” the 2024 budget was focused on seven key areas including ▲a sustainable city through carbon neutrality practice ▲a disaster ZERO city safe in daily life ▲a warm city accompanying the vulnerable ▲a city where moms and dads are happy raising children.

Developing Cheongnyangni as Seoul’s New Central City

To transform Cheongnyangni into Seoul’s new central city, 200 million KRW was allocated for the creation of Cheongnyang Market Mall to elevate the traditional markets in the area to the world’s top global traditional market, and 610 million KRW was set aside for revitalizing traditional markets and modernizing facilities.

A Sustainable City through Carbon Neutrality Practice

To implement carbon neutrality goals by 2050, the budget includes ▲82 million KRW for establishing carbon neutrality cooperation systems with overseas cities ▲100 million KRW for operating the Carbon Neutrality Support Center ▲80 million KRW for operating mobile carbon neutrality experience booths and village brunch lectures, leading efforts to create a low-carbon living environment.

Furthermore, ▲100 million KRW was allocated to create Hydrangea Park as a rest area at the recycling sorting center to expand green spaces ▲230 million KRW for operating the “Flower Garden of Knowledge” established on the site of the Jeonnong-dong library ▲500 million KRW for creating a barefoot walking trail in the greenbelt along the Jungnangcheon embankment. These projects are expected to provide rest spaces for residents and contribute to health promotion.

A Disaster ZERO City Safe in Daily Life

To make the city safe for residents’ daily lives, the budget was invested in various projects. ▲600 million KRW for installing smart CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) in public restrooms ▲450 million KRW for installing smart shelters considerate of vulnerable traffic users ▲160 million KRW for safety management of private buildings and construction sites to prevent accidents.

Additionally, ▲470 million KRW was allocated for installing right-turn alert and speed warning systems around elementary schools to foster a safe and convenient traffic culture ▲110 million KRW for the “5 No Streets” project to improve urban aesthetics and secure safe pedestrian paths. To prepare for localized heavy rains and typhoons in summer, ▲1.34 billion KRW was allocated for maintenance and management of sewage facilities ▲1.67 billion KRW for maintenance and management of rainwater pumping stations.

A Warm City Accompanying the Vulnerable

The district plans to strengthen support for socially vulnerable groups by allocating ▲142.8 billion KRW for basic pensions for seniors ▲89.3 billion KRW for livelihood and housing benefits for basic livelihood security recipients ▲2.3 billion KRW for job support projects for people with disabilities ▲1.56 billion KRW for meal support projects for low-income seniors.

Also, ▲210 million KRW was allocated to operate a support center for single-person households to strengthen social networks ▲3.1 billion KRW for emergency welfare support projects to address welfare blind spots and care for vulnerable groups.

A City Where Moms and Dads Are Happy Raising Children

To make Dongdaemun-gu a great place to raise children, the budget includes ▲27.9 billion KRW for infant and toddler childcare fee support ▲15.7 billion KRW for child allowances ▲540 million KRW for establishing and operating the Agasalang Center ▲310 million KRW for the Seoul Mom and Dad Taxi project ▲190 million KRW for operating public indoor playgrounds ▲840 million KRW for expanding nine district-run daycare centers ▲1.19 billion KRW for operating the comprehensive childcare support center ▲130 million KRW for operating shared childcare spaces ▲1.33 billion KRW for operating neighborhood childcare centers.

It is expected that providing high-quality childcare services and establishing a community-centered, detailed care system will alleviate childcare burdens for caregivers. Furthermore, the education expense subsidy was increased by 5 billion KRW from the previous year to 15 billion KRW to support students’ academic improvement, and plans are in place to improve educational facilities.

A Livable City Enjoying Leisure

To enhance cultural life for local residents, the district will hold various regional cultural events including ▲Dongdaemun Spring Flower Festival with 220 million KRW ▲Seonnong Daeje with 290 million KRW ▲mobile cultural yards and customized cultural events with 110 million KRW ▲BaeBong Mountain New Year Sunrise event with 45 million KRW. To enable diverse leisure activities throughout the year, the budget includes ▲440 million KRW for creating summer water play areas using idle land ▲2 billion KRW for creating four-season water play areas and playgrounds along Jungnangcheon ▲500 million KRW for creating a sledding hill at Jungnangcheon.

Additionally, ▲50 million KRW was allocated for establishing an experiential tourism belt in Northeast Seoul ▲7 million KRW for installing dog waiting stations on major walking trails to foster a mature pet culture.

A Global Coexistence City Full of Jobs and Vitality

To revitalize the local economy, the budget includes ▲200 million KRW for operating the Fashion Sewing Complex Support Center ▲150 million KRW for operating the Startup Support Center ▲170 million KRW for establishing and operating the Small Business Support Center.

For youth job creation and startup activation, ▲220 million KRW was allocated for supporting youth administrative interns ▲320 million KRW for operating the DDM Youth Startup Center Unicorn ▲200 million KRW for supporting qualification acquisition activity expenses for unemployed youth. Also, ▲2.8 billion KRW was allocated for the Donghaeng Job Project, which provides jobs to vulnerable employment groups to stabilize their livelihoods.

Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “The 2024 budget was prepared by carefully reviewing only the essential projects to create a livable Dongdaemun-gu despite difficult financial conditions. We will do our best to manage the budget efficiently so that residents do not experience any inconvenience in their daily lives.”

The proposed budget will be finalized on the 18th of next month after review and approval by the Dongdaemun-gu Council.