Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced on November 24 that it has drafted a 2026 budget proposal totaling 4.0142 trillion won and submitted it to the Changwon City Council.
The 2026 budget is 242.4 billion won larger than the previous year’s, with the general account at 3.5286 trillion won and the special account at 485.6 billion won.
The budget focuses on fostering next-generation strategic industries, strengthening the social safety net for citizens, and promoting regional economic recovery and growth.
Key general account revenues include: ▲ local tax revenue of 934.2 billion won ▲ non-tax revenue of 166.3 billion won ▲ national and provincial subsidies of 1.5648 trillion won ▲ local allocation tax of 653.8 billion won ▲ adjustment grants of 148 billion won.
By sector, the budget will be allocated as follows: ▲ general public administration 151.4 billion won (4.29%) ▲ public order and safety 66 billion won (1.87%) ▲ education 21 billion won (0.60%) ▲ culture and tourism 238.9 billion won (6.77%) ▲ environment 184.2 billion won (5.22%) ▲ social welfare 1.6687 trillion won (47.29%) ▲ health 59.8 billion won (1.70%) ▲ agriculture, forestry, marine, and fisheries 170.4 billion won (4.83%) ▲ industry, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and energy 75.2 billion won (2.13%) ▲ transportation and logistics 199.1 billion won (5.64%) ▲ land and regional development 113.3 billion won (3.21%) ▲ contingency funds 25 billion won (0.71%) ▲ personnel expenses and others 555.5 billion won (15.74%).
The city plans to actively invest resources in innovation for core industries and the development of next-generation strategic sectors.
Accordingly, the budget includes: ▲ 1.6 billion won for the establishment and operation of an AI and big data-based medical and bio high-tech device research and manufacturing center ▲ 1.3 billion won for global manufacturing convergence software development and demonstration projects ▲ 1 billion won for the development and demonstration of ultra-large manufacturing AI services specialized for the manufacturing industry ▲ 800 million won to support the activation of new energy industries in the region ▲ 700 million won as a contribution to the Research and Development Special Zone Promotion Foundation (for the second phase of the Small R&D Special Zone) ▲ 700 million won for building an integrated performance system for large electric and hydrogen commercial vehicle electric drive systems ▲ 600 million won for customized package support projects for nuclear power plant companies ▲ 500 million won for operating a digital transformation support center for machinery and defense manufacturing ▲ 500 million won for establishing a foundation for the e-mobility electric motor remanufacturing industry ▲ 200 million won for building the Smart Green AX Demonstration Industrial Complex, among others.
The city will also strengthen investments in building a social safety net to protect citizens’ lives and safety.
It plans to spend a total of 66 billion won on safety projects, including: ▲ 7.5 billion won for the comprehensive maintenance of flood-prone areas in the Sinpo (Cheoksan) district ▲ 2.3 billion won for installing stormwater retention facilities in the Sinchon district ▲ 2 billion won for maintenance in landslide-prone areas such as Namyang, and other disaster-prone areas and facility improvement projects.
For the welfare safety net, the city will allocate a total of 1.6687 trillion won, including: ▲ 649.8 billion won for senior welfare programs such as basic pensions, senior employment projects, and customized care services ▲ 262.8 billion won for childcare support programs such as infant care fees, parental allowances, and support for the Nuri Curriculum ▲ 189.3 billion won for welfare programs for people with disabilities, such as activity support benefits and disability pensions ▲ 2.3 billion won for the construction of the Veterans Culture Center.
To revitalize the regional economy and prevent the outflow of the youth population, the city will spend: ▲ 6.2 billion won on the operation of the Changwon Love Gift Certificate (Nubijeon) ▲ 3.3 billion won on traditional market support projects ▲ 17.8 billion won on youth support and population inflow policies, including the Youth Tomorrow Savings Account and the opening of new Youth Vision Centers in Masan and Jinhae ▲ 22.7 billion won on local community and public work job projects, as well as professional sports youth internship support programs.
To enhance urban dignity and create attractive urban spaces, the budget includes: ▲ 4.3 billion won for the K-Art Masil Island Network Project ▲ 3.5 billion won for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Road tourism landmark project ▲ 1.8 billion won for the creation of the Changwon Sea Perimeter Trail ▲ 12 billion won for improving public and professional sports facilities ▲ 7.5 billion won for the reconstruction of Naeseo Library ▲ 2.4 billion won for the creation of Seoseong-dong Culture Park ▲ 1.8 billion won for the construction of the Changwon City Art Museum ▲ 4.2 billion won for the Jinhae-gu Byeongam New Village Project ▲ 3.9 billion won for the Masan Hoewon-gu Hoeseong Urban Regeneration Project ▲ 1.6 billion won for the Jinhae-gu Gyeonghwa-dong Nikangnaekang Dagachi Center Project, among others.
In particular, to mark the 100th anniversary of "Hometown Spring," a separate budget of 134 million won has been allocated for the 100th anniversary commemorative project.
Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor, stated, "We have focused on efficient and responsible fiscal management that prioritizes the sustainability of our finances to ensure that citizens’ valuable taxes are not wasted," adding, "We will execute this budget swiftly from the first half of the year to ensure that our finances serve as a catalyst for regional economic recovery and growth, and to create changes that citizens can truly feel."
The 2026 Changwon City budget proposal submitted by the city is scheduled to be finalized after review and approval at the 148th 2nd regular session of the Changwon City Council, which will begin on November 25.
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