Welfare Accounts for 63.8% of Total Budget
Strengthening Community-Focused Spending
Gwanak District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Junhee) has submitted its 2026 budget proposal to the district council, setting it at 1.0922 trillion won, a 3.5% increase from this year. Despite the economic downturn and declining tax revenue, the district has adopted a 'selection and concentration' strategy to enhance budget efficiency.
Gwanak District has evenly allocated its budget across all six major district administration goals-economy, welfare, youth, education, and safety-to improve the fulfillment of the 8th popularly elected administration's pledges. In particular, the district has completely re-examined budget items from a zero-base perspective, aiming to reduce waste and focus resources on necessary projects.
For the economy and employment sectors, 10.6 billion won has been allocated. This includes 1.8 billion won for operating the Gwanak Small and Medium Business Promotion Agency, 2.3 billion won for public job creation, and 1.87 billion won for issuing Gwanak Love Gift Certificates and vouchers for the public delivery app, all aimed at revitalizing the local economy.
The welfare sector accounts for 697.2 billion won, representing 63.8% of the total budget, an increase of 32.8 billion won from this year. In preparation for the full implementation of the Integrated Care Support Act next year, the district has allocated 300 million won to seven new projects, including 'community integrated care work' and 'Gwanak-type Care Plus.' In addition, new initiatives such as a 250 million won honor allowance for social welfare field workers and 50 million won to support out-of-pocket expenses for home visits to vulnerable seniors have been established. The district also plans to expand customized welfare services for seniors, children, and parent generations.
Budget will also be allocated to public safety and urban environment improvements. The district will focus funds on expanding various safety infrastructures, including road and sewage facility management, disaster prevention, disaster management funds, and the operation of disaster alert electronic boards. Efforts to create a pleasant living environment will include 3.74 billion won for the creation and maintenance of urban parks and 2.77 billion won for forest conservation.
Additionally, Gwanak District has allocated 500 million won to establish a youth-friendly city foundation and included budget items to prepare for changes in future industries, such as launching new artificial intelligence (AI) competency training programs. The 2026 budget proposal will be finalized on December 18 after deliberation by the Gwanak District Council.
Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, "Although the tax revenue situation is challenging, we have focused on policies that residents can truly feel," adding, "In 2026, we will continue to pursue resident-centered, empathetic administration."
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