Election Expense Limits Announced for Local Elections: Gyeongbuk Governor and Superintendent Set at 1.717 Billion Won, Up 8.6 Million Won from Four Years Ago

Pohang Mayor Election: Highest Limit in Gyeongbuk at 274 Million Won
Ulleung County Governor Election: Lowest Nationwide at 109 Million Won

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Election Commission announced on January 23 the spending limits (referred to as 'election expense limits') for candidates' campaign expenditures in the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3.

The election expense limit for each election is calculated by applying a limit calculation ratio (8.3%) that reflects changes in the national consumer price index to the population and the number of towns, townships, and neighborhoods for each election. After this adjustment, the total increase in allowances for election officials and the total industrial accident insurance premiums are added to determine the final amount.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Election Commission

For the Gyeongbuk Governor and Gyeongbuk Superintendent of Education elections, the expense limit is set at 1.717 billion won, which is about 8.6 million won higher than in the 8th local elections four years ago. Nationwide, the Gyeonggi Province Governor election has the highest limit at 4.945 billion won, while the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Mayor election has the lowest at 389 million won.

The average expense limit for basic local government head elections in Gyeongbuk is 159 million won (national average: 184 million won). The Pohang Mayor election has the highest limit in Gyeongbuk at 274 million won (national highest: Suwon Mayor election at 464 million won), while the Ulleung County Governor election has the lowest at 109 million won, which is also the lowest nationwide.

Meanwhile, if an election district is changed due to a Constitutional Court ruling of unconstitutionality (October 23, 2025) or administrative district mergers, the relevant election commission will announce the revised expense limit accordingly.