Gwangju Office of Education Sets 2026 Budget at 2.8257 Trillion Won, Down 49.5 Billion Won from This Year

Restructuring Intensified Due to Reduced Available Resources
Focused Allocation on Education, Care, and AI-Driven Future Learning

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education has submitted its 2026 budget proposal to the city council, setting it at 2.8257 trillion won, which is 49.5 billion won less than this year.

Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education on November 14, next year's financial resources will include 2.3102 trillion won (81.8%) in transfers from the central government, an increase of 94.7 billion won compared to this year. In contrast, transfers from local governments will decrease by 105.2 billion won to 347 billion won. Of the 290.6 billion won in mandatory transfers from Gwangju City, 100 billion won was not reflected, so the office plans to secure this amount in the first supplementary budget next year.

Taking into account the fiscal environment, the office implemented strong restructuring measures, including curbing new projects, integrating similar projects, and reducing consumable expenses. The expenditure budget consists of 1.6806 trillion won for personnel expenses, 220 billion won for school and institution operation costs, 703.9 billion won for educational project expenses, 179.8 billion won for facility projects, and 41.4 billion won for general educational administration.

The school operation budget was increased by 10% to prepare for higher electricity costs, and 500,000 to 1 million won per school was allocated to hire substitute staff for teachers on long-term leave. The budget also includes 700 million won for design costs and 20 billion won in funds for the construction of the new office building.

Support for education and care includes 127 billion won for the Nuri Curriculum, 22 billion won for Neulbom Schools, 1.8 billion won for morning and evening care kindergartens, and 3.9 billion won for support for students with disabilities. The education welfare budget totals 286.6 billion won, including 47.3 billion won for the Dreamdremi program, 2.1 billion won for informatization education support for low-income students, 2.5 billion won for weekend and holiday meal expenses, and 1 billion won for a customized integrated support system for students.

The budget for AI and digital transformation includes 26.5 billion won for student smart devices, 8.7 billion won for campus networks, 2 billion won for intelligent science labs, 1 billion won for the AIDT Tech Center, 1.2 billion won for digital tutors, 1.6 billion won for AI-based classes, and 1.2 billion won for AI-focused schools, totaling 81.2 billion won.

In the facilities sector, 9.8 billion won is allocated for Green Smart Schools, 4 billion won for asbestos tile and lighting replacement, 11.7 billion won each for mechanical equipment and waterproofing works, 10.5 billion won for Mom-Friendly Restrooms, and 15.3 billion won for heating and cooling facilities, totaling 179.8 billion won. Additionally, 7.4 billion won has been secured for the construction of the 'Gwangju Democracy History Nuri Center,' which is scheduled to open in July 2026.

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