Taebaek City Sets 2026 Budget at 600.7 Billion Won, Submits Proposal to City Council

Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced on November 26 that it has submitted its 2026 budget proposal to the Taebaek City Council on November 20. The proposed budget amounts to 600.7 billion won, an increase of 100 billion won compared to this year's main budget of 500.7 billion won.

Taebaek City Hall exterior. Provided by Taebaek City

This is the largest budget in the city's history since its establishment. The general account stands at 494.1 billion won, up 57.9 billion won from this year's main budget, while the special account has increased by 42.1 billion won to 106.6 billion won.

Taebaek City is accelerating national-led clean energy industries and improvements to residential conditions. At the same time, the city is focusing on restructuring unnecessary projects to ensure fiscal soundness and efficiency, with an emphasis on supporting citizens' livelihoods and laying the foundation for future industries over the next 100 years.

By sector, expenditures are as follows: 135.3 billion won for social welfare, 110.9 billion won for the environment, 53.1 billion won for industry and small and medium-sized enterprises, 51.5 billion won for general public administration, 43 billion won for national land and regional development, and 38.9 billion won for culture and tourism.

Major projects include: the Future Resource Cluster Development Project (6 billion won), the Forest and Timber Cluster Development Project (7.7 billion won), the Integrated Public Rental Housing Construction Project (14.3 billion won), the Memorial Tower Sanctification Project for Fallen Industrial Workers (7.8 billion won), the Hajangseong Tourism Landscape Improvement Project (2 billion won), the Regional Vitality Town Development Project (1.6 billion won), operation of the Taebaek Love Gift Certificate (4.4 billion won), Taebaek-Style Jobs (3.2 billion won), free bus rides for senior citizens (600 million won), and the First Life Welcome & Childcare Center (1.4 billion won).

Additionally, in relation to the sewerage system, the city will carry out the following projects: Jangseong District Sewerage Maintenance Project (21.8 billion won), Cheoram District Sewer Pipeline Maintenance Project (5.5 billion won), Jangseong 2nd District Sewer Pipeline Maintenance Project (3.8 billion won), and Hwajeon 2nd District Sewer Pipeline Maintenance Project (2.5 billion won). These initiatives aim to improve living conditions in former mining areas and enhance the water quality of Hwangji Stream, the headwaters of the uppermost Nakdong River.

Mayor Lee Sangho stated, "The 2026 main budget proposal focuses on responsible fiscal management through full repayment of debt for future generations, while also establishing a foundation to steadily promote both citizens' livelihoods and future industries." He added, "We will continue to devote all administrative capabilities so that citizens can experience tangible change and the city's future competitiveness can be strengthened."