[2025 Seoul City Budget] '48 Trillion' Record High... Focus on Citizen Welfare for Low Birthrate and Safety

Increase of 2.3 Trillion KRW for 2024... Continuous Debt Reduction
Budget Focused on Low Birthrate Response... 1 Trillion KRW for Newlywed Housing
'Citizen Health' Projects Addressing Aging Population... Isolation and Withdrawal Management
Focus on Enhancing Urban Competitiveness, Promoting Regional Spatial Innovation

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has prepared a budget of 48.0407 trillion won for 2025. This is the first time the Seoul city budget has exceeded 48 trillion won, reflecting a commitment to proactively respond to changes in the population structure caused by low birth rates and aging, and to enhance citizen welfare. More than 1 trillion won has been allocated for housing supply for newlyweds, and a record-breaking budget will be invested in supporting jobs for the elderly, all aimed at preparing for the future.

On the morning of the 31st, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced the next year's budget at Seoul City Hall, stating, "We will actively invest in citizens' health and safety and Seoul's future, while continuously reducing Seoul's debt so that current investments do not become a burden for future generations."

The 48.0407 trillion won budget for next year, revealed by Mayor Oh, is the largest ever, exceeding the 2024 budget (45.7405 trillion won), which had decreased for the first time in 13 years, by 2.3 trillion won. It is also 850 billion won more than the previous largest budget in 2023 (47.1905 trillion won). Meanwhile, the debt level is expected to continue its downward trend. Debt, which was 11.898 trillion won in 2022, decreased to 11.4425 trillion won in 2023, 11.4057 trillion won in 2024, and is projected to fall further to 11.3915 trillion won next year.

From Children to the Elderly... Bold Investment in Various Care Supports

Next year’s budget is organized around seven core tasks: ▲ responding to low birth rates ▲ healthy city Seoul ▲ vibrant economy ▲ comprehensive care ▲ safe and enjoyable daily life ▲ globally attractive city ▲ balanced development, all focused on 'welfare.'

The most notable aspect is the budget for responding to low birth rates. Bold investments will be made to encourage young people to decide to marry and have children and to provide strong support for parents. Mayor Oh focused on the fact that the number of births nationwide increased by nearly 7.9% compared to the same month last year in July, and the number of marriages rose by 32.9% compared to the same month last year. Accordingly, more than 1 trillion won has been allocated for public rental housing supply for newlyweds and youth. Starting next year, 4,000 housing units for newlyweds and 2,504 units for youth will be supplied. The low birth rate response budget also includes extensive support for medical expenses and treatment costs for the elderly and infertile couples, support for childbirth households, and assistance with childcare burdens.

As the population aged 65 and over is expected to exceed 20%, entering a super-aged society, a large budget has been allocated for 'citizen health.' Significant investment will be made to create a healthy city Seoul where anyone can experience an exercise zone (exercise + station area) 365 days a year. For example, subway stations easily accessible in daily life will be transformed into exercise spaces, i.e., sports-themed 'Fun Stations.' Following the currently operating 'Runner Station' at Yeouinaru Station (3.2 billion won), convenience facilities such as changing rooms and lockers will be installed at 10 additional stations next year.

Ten streams in Seoul will be transformed into rest and leisure spaces to create an environment where citizens can manage their health in daily life. Infrastructure for walking and exercising, such as the Jamsugyo pedestrian bridge (7.6 billion won), Namsan Sky Forest Trail (7.4 billion won), and World Cup Park’s 2nd Park Golf Course (1.4 billion won), will also take shape.

Strengthening the 'care support system' is also a proactive measure responding to demographic changes. A dense public care system will be established so that anyone can receive sufficient care services whenever desired. A Social Service Support Center will be set up at the Seoul Welfare Foundation to improve the quality of private care services, and various supports will begin to create a 'Loneliness-Free Seoul (Wae·Eop·Seo)' for isolated and reclusive citizens.

To add stability and vitality to elderly life, the budget for senior re-education programs such as the 'Back to School 7th Grade Classroom' (200 million won) and quality meal support has been expanded. In particular, 44.1 billion won has been allocated for low-income senior meal support, including the 'Seoul Bapsang' project, which prepares meals in bulk and delivers lunchboxes, to provide meticulous care.

Supporting SMEs and Transforming Regional Spaces... Strengthening Seoul’s Competitiveness

'Economic revitalization' is another area Mayor Oh paid close attention to during the budget preparation alongside welfare. Early detection of small business owners in crisis will be followed by rapid provision of management funds, and a package of consulting, cost support, and aftercare (80 billion won) will be provided to small business owners considering closure.

The Seoul-style corporate R&D budget supporting small and medium enterprises and startups has been increased by 5.3 billion won from last year to 42.1 billion won. Additionally, global competitiveness of our companies will be enhanced through events such as Smart Life Week.

Urban competitiveness will also be strengthened. Seasonal unique festivals will be held throughout Seoul, including a drone light show (900 million won) and the International Garden Expo, which attracted 7.8 million visitors this year (2 billion won). Landscape lighting will be installed from Naraegyo Bridge to Ogan-su Bridge along Cheonggyecheon Stream to create the Cheonggyecheon Light Trail. Balanced development of Seoul will begin through 'regional space innovation.' The northwest area will see the creation of a World Cup Park scenic forest, and the northeast area will become a cultural and future industry cluster with the opening of the Eoullim Sports Center and the Photo Art Museum. The Nodeul Global Art Island’s waterfront and base construction will be completed.

The Dawn Companion autonomous bus (4.1 billion won) will expand from the existing single route to three additional routes. Autonomous village buses will also be newly introduced in three autonomous districts. The introduction of transportation means suited to local conditions, such as inclined elevators, will be expanded to ensure mobility rights for marginalized areas and transportation-vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day next year, support for patriotic martyrs and merit recipients who devoted themselves to the country will be expanded, with a total budget of 104.7 billion won allocated. The monthly honorarium for veterans and veterans’ welfare allowances has been increased by 50,000 won each, and the eligibility for living assistance allowances, previously limited to those aged 65 and over, will be expanded to all ages. Mayor Oh stated, "In the face of the climate crisis and complex social changes, 'citizens’ health and safe daily life' is the most important responsibility of the Seoul mayor. The 2025 budget will not be wasted and will be used to protect citizens’ health and safety and prepare Seoul’s future."

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