Buk-gu Gwangju Confirms First Supplementary Budget of 1.0758 Trillion Won

Expansion of Budget for Livelihood Recovery and Living Infrastructure
Issuance of Gift Certificates and Creation of Cultural Facilities Included

Gwangju Buk-gu has finalized its first supplementary budget for this year at a total of 1.0758 trillion KRW. This represents an increase of approximately 34.1 billion KRW compared to the original budget.

Buk-gu announced on the 30th that the supplementary budget was drafted in February, underwent an 11-day review by the Buk-gu Council starting March 17, and was finally approved on the 28th. The district explained that this supplementary budget “focuses on urgent tasks aimed at restoring livelihoods and enhancing residents' convenience amid the economic crisis.”

Gwangju Bukgu District Office building exterior.

The most notable items in this supplementary budget are those related to revitalizing the local economy and supporting small business owners. Buk-gu allocated 1 billion KRW for the issuance of Buk-gu Sarang Gift Certificates, 200 million KRW for the modernization of traditional markets and shopping districts, and 50 million KRW for the establishment of a training center for alleyway shop owners. In particular, the Buk-gu Sarang Gift Certificates will be issued with a 10% discount rate around the Chuseok holiday in September. The district expects this to stimulate consumption in local commercial districts and improve the circulation structure within the region.

Numerous projects to improve residents' living infrastructure were also included. 2.6 billion KRW was allocated for the construction of the Ilgok Living Culture Center, 570 million KRW for the construction of the Ochi 2-dong Community Center, 410 million KRW for the remodeling of the Munheung 1-dong Administrative Welfare Center, and 160 million KRW for the creation of a barefoot walking trail. Among these, the Ilgok Living Culture Center will be built on the site of the former Ilgok-dong Post Office and will serve as a resident-friendly space offering cultural arts programs and after-school care services for elementary students.

Other projects aimed at improving resident safety and living conditions include: ▲Improvement of safety facilities on dangerous sections of Mudeung-ro (300 million KRW), ▲Installation of crime prevention CCTVs (200 million KRW), and ▲Sewer maintenance in the Gonggu-ui Street area of Unam-dong (100 million KRW).

District Mayor Moon In said, “We have allocated only the most necessary funds, taking into account the difficulties faced by residents due to the prolonged economic downturn and unstable international situation,” and added, “We will focus our administrative capacity to ensure the supplementary budget is executed swiftly and effectively where it is needed most.”