Chungyang County Announces Record Investments: 155.2 Billion Won for Agriculture, 55 Billion Won for Basic Income Allocated

Kim Dongon: "Laying the Foundation for Chungyang's Future with Agriculture, Welfare, and Living SOC"

Chungyang County in South Chungcheong Province has set its 2026 budget at 567.8 billion won, positioning the 55 billion won Rural Basic Income and a record-high 155.2 billion won agricultural budget as its core pillars.

County Governor Kim Dongon emphasized, "This is an investment prioritizing tangible benefits for residents and future preparedness," highlighting innovation in agriculture, welfare, and social overhead capital (SOC).

On November 19, Chungyang County announced that it had submitted its 2026 budget proposal totaling 567.8 billion won to the county council.

This represents an increase of 15.5 billion won (2.8%) compared to this year's main budget, consisting of 562 billion won in the general account and 5.8 billion won in the special account.

In next year's budget, the county has focused on the 55 billion won Rural Basic Income pilot project (including 1 billion won in administrative expenses) as a key initiative for fostering a virtuous local economic cycle and restoring community vitality.

Notably, the total budget for the agriculture and rural sector has reached a record 155.2 billion won, an increase of 33.2 billion won from the previous year.

Existing agricultural and senior welfare programs will continue, including 6.6 billion won for the South Chungcheong Farmers’ Allowance and 1.1 billion won for senior citizen bathing and grooming subsidies.

Investment in living SOC will also be expanded. Major projects scheduled for completion next year include: 7.8 billion won for the Jeongsan Multipurpose Welfare Center, 1.9 billion won for the widening and paving of County Road No. 9 in Baekgok-ri, Jeongsan-myeon, and 1.4 billion won for establishing an emergency water supply network in Ungok-myeon. These projects are expected to improve residents' living environments and promote balanced regional development.

Additionally, regional revitalization projects will be launched in earnest, such as 2.9 billion won for the Comprehensive Care Center for the Disabled, 3.9 billion won for the South Chungcheong Provincial Park Golf Course Vitality Town, 2.8 billion won for the Jeongsan Donghwa Vitality Town Family Stay-type Residential Complex, and 8.1 billion won for the Jeongsan Donghwa Vitality Town Table Tennis Training Center.

The county plans to simultaneously boost the local economy and increase the number of overnight visitors by expanding infrastructure for welfare, tourism, and sports for people with disabilities.

By sector, there were significant budget increases in: agriculture, forestry, maritime affairs, and fisheries (155.2 billion won, up 27.2%); culture and tourism (42.7 billion won, up 15%); and health (15.7 billion won, up 13.5%).

A total of 129.4 billion won has been allocated for social welfare and future generation investment-including welfare, health, children, and youth-to strengthen welfare services that are directly felt by residents, respond to population aging, and improve healthcare accessibility.

For environmental sectors such as air, waste, and water and sewage, 54 billion won has been allocated to focus on creating a pleasant residential environment.

In the disaster safety sector, 22.5 billion won will be invested to strengthen the safety infrastructure in response to evolving disaster risks.

Governor Kim Dongon stated, "Despite fiscal constraints, we have set clear priorities for tangible benefits to residents and future preparedness," adding, "Through strategic investments in Rural Basic Income, living SOC, welfare, and healthcare, we will realize 'Chungyang made together, a happier future for all.'"

Meanwhile, the budget proposal will be finalized after a presentation on November 25, followed by deliberation and approval at the 316th Second Regular Session of the Chungyang County Council, which will be held from December 1 to 9.

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