The 52.6 billion won budget reflects key projects under the ninth elected administration, including local economic revitalization and employment policy, and is set for final approval at the Dongdaemun-gu Council's 358th regular plenary session on Oct. 26.
Seoul's Dongdaemun-gu has drawn up a first supplementary budget of 52.6 billion won ($38 million) for 2026 and submitted it to the district council.
The budget was put together to ensure the smooth execution of key pending projects, including revitalizing the local economy, creating a higher-quality residential environment, and making Dongdaemun-gu a more comfortable and safer place to live.
To build the district into a thriving economic hub, the district plans to issue 10 billion won worth of Dongdaemun-gu love gift certificates and has set aside 558 million won in this supplementary budget to cover the associated discount subsidies. It also allocated 22 million won to establish Dongdaemun Jobs Inc., 35 million won to build and operate a comprehensive workers' support center, and 55 million won to upgrade the Donggo-ri platform project.
Alongside this, the district earmarked 22 million won for a research project on shuttle bus circular routes serving public facilities and 20 million won in fiscal support for community bus services, as part of efforts to improve transportation connectivity across the district.
To accelerate redevelopment and raise the quality of the residential environment, the budget includes 4.97 billion won for a mixed-use development on the Guminhoegwan site, 1.1 billion won for the maintenance of Jungnangcheon river facilities, and 499 million won for park upkeep.
Additional funds were also set aside to strengthen ongoing projects — including allowances for spouses of war veterans, long-term care contributions, and road facility maintenance — as well as new initiatives such as installing rapid chargers for electric wheelchairs, commissioning a master plan for the Yongdu Art Hall, and renovating the book cafe at the district-run youth reading room.
The budget proposal is expected to be finalized on Oct. 26 after deliberation and a vote by the Dongdaemun-gu Council.
"We have reflected the essential budget needed to ease the burden on residents during difficult times and to swiftly advance local economic revitalization and pending projects," District Mayor Choi Dong-min said. "We will move quickly to execute the approved budget and drive the changes that will allow residents to feel the core values of the ninth elected administration's district governance."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
