Busan projects, including Gadeokdo airport, reflected in 2027 government budget proposal

Busan said Tuesday that the Ministry of Planning and Budget's 2027 government budget proposal includes funding for the Gadeokdo New Airport construction project and other initiatives aimed at realizing the city's vision as a "maritime capital."

The Gadeokdo New Airport project — set to serve as the southern region's gateway airport and logistics hub — received 431.1 billion won ($314 million). Two programs were newly added: 7.35 billion won for a port autonomous unloading equipment AX demonstration project to build a physical AI ecosystem at Busan Port, and 3.64 billion won for a shipbuilding-shipping cooperation support program to promote synergy between the two industries. A small-shipyard naval vessel MRO global competitiveness enhancement project (5 billion won) and a fisheries food industry cluster development project (24.9 billion won) will also move into full implementation.

Also reflected in the government proposal are 2 billion won for next-generation aircraft large-fuselage technology development using domestically produced composite materials — aimed at securing design, manufacturing and verification capabilities — and 3.5 billion won for a compound semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure project to position Busan as a power semiconductor hub. Three additional projects were included: development and demonstration of a new export-oriented research reactor (152.8 billion won), support for the construction of a heavy-ion accelerator (8.5 billion won), and establishment of an advanced regenerative medicine clinical demonstration support platform (3.1 billion won). Together, these are expected to accelerate the creation of a future new-industry ecosystem spanning aerospace, power semiconductors, radiation medicine and biotech.

Infrastructure projects also made the cut. The urban rail Sasang-Hadan line serving western Busan's core public transit network received 16.35 billion won, while the Eomgung Grand Bridge to expand cross-Nakdong River transport links was allocated 25.95 billion won. The Seunghak Tunnel, intended to ease traffic congestion in western Busan and Yeongdo-gu, received 11.86 billion won, and a road connecting Busan Bridge to the Dongsamhyeok Innovation City was allocated 7 billion won. Urban regeneration projects across nine areas including the Sujeong district received 25.62 billion won, laying the groundwork for balanced growth.

The proposal also includes 10 billion won to build a Busan children's hospital to address gaps in essential pediatric and adolescent medical care, 2.1 billion won for a MyData-based smart senior center to support health management and communication for the elderly using data and technology, and 1.89 billion won to develop an age-tech-based community health care platform. Rounding out the list are 2.3 billion won to develop Amisan's sunset scenery into a tourism landmark and 1.9 billion won to replace and maintain eco-friendly vessels for the Nakdong River ecological tour boat service.

Busan said it plans to continue making the case for national funding during the National Assembly's budget review process and to strengthen coordination with Assembly members. The city will deploy a standing team at the National Assembly in line with the budget review schedule, working to protect the funding secured in the government proposal through the end-of-year review while pushing to have additional increases reflected during the Assembly's deliberation process.