Jo Jiyeon Reshapes Gyeongsan's Budget Landscape... "Secures 148 Billion Won in National Funding"

From the Small Enterprise and Market Service Center to the New South Police Substation
An Additional 6 Billion Won Secured in the National Assembly

A total of 148 billion won in national funding for 2026 has been secured to significantly expand the industrial, safety, and living infrastructure of Gyeongsan.

On December 3, Jo Jiyeon, Member of the National Assembly of the People Power Party (National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee), announced the finalized amount of national funding for Gyeongsan City for next year, stating, "The national budget that will provide practical solutions to key regional issues has passed the plenary session."

Jo Jiyeon, Member of the National Assembly of the People Power Party (National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee)

The key national funding allocated for next year includes: ▲ 39.2 billion won for regional university support ▲ 25.04 billion won for sewage pipeline maintenance ▲ 6.1 billion won for the construction of the Gyeongsan Knowledge Industry Center ▲ 5 billion won for the Namsan-Hayang national road bypass ▲ 4.88 billion won for carbon capture facilities ▲ 3.45 billion won for the access road to the Knowledge Industry District ▲ 2.81 billion won for the maintenance of aging water supply networks ▲ 1.96 billion won for the improvement of natural disaster risk zones ▲ 1.5 billion won for the Small Business Complex Support Center, among others. These projects are expected to have a long-term impact, including strengthening Gyeongsan's industrial competitiveness, expanding urban infrastructure, and establishing disaster safety infrastructure.

In particular, two long-awaited local projects have been newly included: the establishment of the Gyeongsan Center of the Small Enterprise and Market Service (434 million won) and the construction of the Gyeongsan Police Station South Substation (289 million won). These developments mark a practical turning point for local livelihood issues. Both projects have been key issues that Assemblywoman Jo has persistently raised with relevant ministries and during the Budget and Accounts Committee review process.

Although Gyeongsan has the third-largest number of small business establishments in North Gyeongsang Province, the Gyeongju Center of the Small Enterprise and Market Service had been overseeing all operations, forcing small business owners in Gyeongsan to travel a round trip of 120 kilometers, an unreasonable structure that had become entrenched.

Through negotiations with ministries and inquiries at the Budget and Accounts Committee, Assemblywoman Jo first succeeded in establishing a temporary "Gyeongsan Office," and, by securing the budget for the official center in this round, has created an opportunity to resolve longstanding inconveniences in the local economy.

Furthermore, the new Gyeongsan Police Station South Substation, scheduled for completion in 2027, is regarded as a pivotal project for restoring public safety in the region. The existing West District Police Station had an excessive jurisdiction, with 14,598 annual reports-more than twice the national average-and its remote geographic location posed significant limitations on rapid response. With the establishment of the South Substation and the reorganization of jurisdictions, improvements are expected in reducing security gaps and enhancing the effectiveness of on-site responses.

In the agricultural sector, additional funding has been confirmed, including ▲ 15.6 billion won for inorganic fertilizers ▲ 7.68 billion won for forage crop production and distribution ▲ 5.1 billion won for fostering joint management entities for field crops, providing much-needed relief for Gyeongsan's agricultural budget.

Assemblywoman Jo Jiyeon stated, "I approached the task of securing the budget with a heavy sense of responsibility, as it is about laying the core foundation for the local economy and residential environment. I am gratified that funding for small business support, transportation network improvements, and enhanced citizen safety has been included to address real-life needs." She added, "I will meticulously oversee the execution process to ensure the national funding translates into actual projects, and will devote all efforts to discovering new projects for next year as well."

The annual budget is, in essence, the blueprint for the region's future. Attention is now focused on how the changes Gyeongsan will experience will materialize beyond the numbers.