Busan education office draws up W77b supplementary budget to boost public education

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education announced Friday that it has drawn up its second supplementary budget for 2026, totaling 77 billion won ($54.4 million). The funding draws on transfers including ordinary and special grants, self-generated revenue, and carryover funds from the previous fiscal year's final accounts.

"This supplementary budget was organized with emphasis on strengthening public education competitiveness to cultivate core competencies for future society, reinforcing student-centered education welfare and safety nets, and creating a safe learning environment with field-centered education support," an office official said.

The largest allocation — 18.9 billion won — goes toward strengthening public education competitiveness and building students' core capabilities for the future. Of that, 7.1 billion won will fund a tailored curriculum program covering basic academic support through college-student tutors, arts instructor support, and a one-student-one-sport initiative to balance students' learning with arts and physical activities.

Another 11.2 billion won is earmarked for vocational education and AI and digital education. The funds will support the development of meister high schools and contract-type specialized high schools to align vocational training with industry demand, while expanding AI and digital education to strengthen students' readiness for the future.

Some 6.9 billion won will go toward student-centered education welfare and safety net programs. Of that, 4.7 billion won covers expanded after-school programs and enhanced care services, while 2.1 billion won will strengthen special education, school violence prevention and student mental health support.

The largest single block — 51.2 billion won — is set aside for creating a safe educational environment and providing field-centered education support. Some 4.7 billion won will go toward building solar power facilities at schools under the Haetbiteeum School program to advance carbon neutrality and a sustainable learning environment, while 46.5 billion won will fund improvements to aging and unsafe facilities.

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education said the supplementary budget will ensure timely funding for second-half curriculum operations. The plan will be finalized in September after review and approval by the Busan City Council.