Songpa-gu, 23.3 Billion KRW Supplementary Budget for COVID-19 Response

Songpa Ansim Store Creation · Songpa Sarang Gift Certificate Issuance and Operation 1 Billion Won, Approximately 3 Billion Won Additional Budget Allocated to Support SMEs in Sales Channels and Marketing

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) has prepared a supplementary budget of 23.3 billion KRW for the first supplementary budget of 2020 and will submit it to the district council on the 13th.

In particular, 8.5 billion KRW has been allocated for projects related to COVID-19.

Songpa-gu explained that as the central government raised the infectious disease crisis alert to the 'serious' level and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surged, it judged that bold financial input was necessary to prevent further spread in the local community and minimize economic shock, thus deciding on an emergency supplementary budget.

Specifically, 5.6 billion KRW has been allocated first to minimize the economic shock caused by the COVID-19 situation.

Through this, they plan to establish a 'Music Creation Support Center (tentative name)' to support young artists whose income has significantly decreased due to COVID-19, and create Songpa Safe Stores that overcome COVID-19.

Additionally, 1 billion KRW has been allocated for issuing and operating Songpa Love Gift Certificates to support the local community struggling due to COVID-19, and about 3 billion KRW has been additionally allocated to support small and medium enterprises in areas such as sales channels and marketing.

A Songpa-gu official explained, “We prioritized providing practical help to small business owners, self-employed individuals, and small and medium enterprises who are struggling due to the COVID-19 situation.”

Moreover, this supplementary budget includes 2.6 billion KRW for strengthening the COVID-19 quarantine system, including quarantine supplies, masks, medical supplies, and operation of screening clinics.

Through this, they plan to protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly from COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the local community.

The budget prepared this time is expected to be finalized after approval at the 274th Seoul Special City Songpa-gu Council extraordinary session held from the 23rd to the 31st.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “The local community is experiencing great difficulties due to the COVID-19 situation,” and added, “We will focus on quickly preparing and executing the supplementary budget in cooperation with the district council to prevent further spread in the community and minimize economic damage.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.