Strengthening Investment in Local Economic Recovery, Education, and Future Generations
Accelerating Key Pending Projects
Gongju City in South Chungcheong Province has submitted its 2026 budget proposal to the Gongju City Council, totaling 1.0506 trillion won.
The city plans to focus its investments on key projects in local economic recovery, as well as youth, welfare, and safety sectors, aiming to enhance the sense of impact felt by citizens.
On November 28, the city announced that it had prepared and submitted the general and special account budget proposals for the coming year to the city council.
According to the city, the total budget for next year is 1.0506 trillion won, an increase of 44.1 billion won (4.38%) compared to this year. Of this, the general account stands at 950.4 billion won, and the special account at 100.2 billion won.
The city explained that, while maintaining a policy of fiscal austerity, it allocated available resources based on the principle of "selection and concentration," prioritizing the promotion of pending projects, stabilization of citizens' livelihoods, and expansion of future growth foundations.
To support local economic recovery and job creation, the budget includes 21.9 billion won for job projects for local communities, seniors, and people with disabilities; 800 million won for credit card fee support for small business owners; 1.2 billion won for special guarantees for small businesses; and 100 million won in incentives for "good price" businesses.
Funding for nurturing local talent has also been strengthened, with 6.3 billion won allocated for educational expenses, 2.8 billion won for establishing a special educational development district, and 2.5 billion won for free school meals.
Support measures for youth and future generations have also been expanded. The plan includes 700 million won for marriage incentives, 1.4 billion won for childbirth incentives, 1 billion won for interest support on housing and jeonse loans for multi-child families, and 800 million won for youth monthly rent support, aiming to help young people settle in the area.
In the welfare sector, substantial funding has been allocated for the stability of vulnerable and elderly groups, including 28.6 billion won for basic living allowances, 90.4 billion won for basic pensions, and 5.5 billion won for disability pensions. The city has also reinforced its child and family support system, with 8.5 billion won for childcare subsidies for infants and children aged 3 to 5, 4.4 billion won for parental allowances, and 1.6 billion won for single-parent family support.
The budget for disaster safety and environmental improvements has also been increased. Major projects include 11.9 billion won for maintenance of areas at risk of natural disasters, 1 billion won for river environment maintenance in the Pyeongmok district, 10.4 billion won for restoration of small rivers damaged by the heavy rains of 2025, and 400 million won for restoration of mountain disaster areas.
Key SOC and urban infrastructure projects have also been included, such as 4 billion won for the creation of a smart creative city in the Donghyeon district, 4.8 billion won for the installation of a ramp on National Road No. 23, 2 billion won for road construction from Seou Mart in Geumheung-dong to Gongju Information High School, 5.7 billion won for the expansion and paving of City Roads No. 8 and No. 26, and 5.6 billion won for the construction of a new administrative welfare center in Yugueup.
Mayor Choi Woncheol stated, "The 2026 budget is essential for fully implementing the 8th popularly elected administration's pledges and improving the quality of life for citizens. We will actively communicate with the city council to ensure a smooth budget review process."
Meanwhile, Gongju City's 2026 main budget proposal is scheduled to be finalized on December 15, following deliberation by the city council.
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