Ulsan secures record W3.02tr in national budget for 2027

Ulsan has secured a record 3.02 trillion won ($2.2 billion) in the government's proposed national budget for 2027, paving the way for key projects aimed at the city's future growth and resolution of local issues to move forward at pace.

The city announced Tuesday that the allocation represents a 303 billion won increase — up 11.1 percent — from last year's proposed figure of 2.72 trillion won. The city's annual budget allocations have risen steadily: 2.23 trillion won in 2023, 2.53 trillion won in 2024, 2.61 trillion won in 2025 and 2.72 trillion won in 2026, before crossing the 3 trillion won mark next year.

Among the 61 newly approved projects totaling 260.6 billion won, highlights include 4.5 billion won for the Ulsan-Gwangju humanoid robot-based automotive manufacturing AI transition (M.AX) support project; 6 billion won for a large-scale industrial AI research support project; 5.9 billion won to establish an AI ship equipment and advanced components demonstration support center; 2.7 billion won for a solid hydrogen storage alloy-based hydrogen-powered medium-to-large excavator demonstration project; and 2.3 billion won for the development of a heat wave disaster safety industry promotion facility.

Ongoing projects receiving continued funding include 110 billion won for construction of the Ulsan outer ring expressway; 35 billion won for the Nongso-Oedong national highway construction; 6 billion won for the Ulsan petrochemical AI transition (AX) demonstration industrial complex development project; and 3.8 billion won for the restoration and maintenance of the Ulsan Gyeongsang Jwado military fortress.

To secure the 2027 national budget allocation, Ulsan mounted an all-out effort that included meetings between Mayor Kim Sang-uk and relevant officials with the minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, visits to Cheong Wa Dae, and close cooperation with local lawmakers.

The government's 2027 budget proposal is set to be submitted to the National Assembly by Thursday, after which it will go through legislative review before being finalized by the end of this year.

"We will do our utmost not only to secure what has been reflected in the government proposal, but also to obtain additional funding during the National Assembly review process for key projects that were not included," Mayor Kim said.