Donghae City Sets 2026 Main Budget at 692.4 Billion Won, Up 11.53% from Previous Year

Revitalizing the Local Economy, Addressing Residents’ Inconveniences, and Continuing Large-Scale SOC Projects

Donghae City in Gangwon Province has set its main budget for next year at 692.4 billion won, an increase of approximately 11.53% (71.6 billion won) compared to the previous year. The city submitted the budget proposal to the city council on November 14 and will now begin the official review process.

A panoramic view of Donghae City Hall.

Next year’s revenue conditions are expected to improve overall, as the government’s expansionary budget policy is anticipated to boost the domestic economy.

In particular, the government’s economic stimulus measures are expected to help the domestic economy recover, resulting in increased national tax revenue. Accordingly, local allocation tax, which is linked to national tax revenue, is also expected to rise.

Given these circumstances, Donghae City has focused its budget on achieving tangible results in its municipal goals, centering on the five major municipal policies and key initiatives of the 8th popularly elected administration. The budget prioritizes revitalizing the local economy, addressing residents’ inconveniences, building a foundation for future industries such as hydrogen, creating a customized educational city, generating jobs, and ensuring the smooth progress of large-scale ongoing projects, with an emphasis on initiatives that citizens can directly benefit from.

Accordingly, next year’s budget consists of a general account of 562.7 billion won, up approximately 12.09% (60.7 billion won) from the previous year; a special account of 94 billion won, up about 17.51% (14 billion won); and funds totaling 35.7 billion won, which is a decrease of 3.1 billion won.

By function, the general account expenditure budget allocates 30.5 billion won (5%) for general public administration and safety, 51.7 billion won (9%) for education, culture, and tourism, 32.9 billion won (6%) for the environment, 234.9 billion won (42%) for social welfare and health, 36.4 billion won (6%) for agriculture, forestry, marine, and fisheries, 38.5 billion won (7%) for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, and energy, 67 billion won (12%) for transportation, logistics, land, and regional development, and 70.8 billion won (13%) for other sectors.

Major budget items include 4 billion won for operating the Donghae Love Gift Certificate (cashback), 400 million won for supporting the AI Factory Leading Project, 800 million won for establishing the Nongoldamgil Youth Dodam Center, 1.4 billion won for new and renewable energy supply projects, 17.9 billion won for building a hydrogen storage and transportation cluster, 6.2 billion won for strengthening the competitiveness of the Bukpyeong Industrial Complex, 1.6 billion won for constructing a public rental-type knowledge industry center, 3 billion won for building the Baekse Health Sports Center, 4.1 billion won for installing a recycling sorting facility, and 2.5 billion won for creating the Dolline Moonlight Trail in the city center.

Additionally, 5 billion won will be invested in various tourism facility projects, including the Mureung Byeolyucheonji Welcome Center and a lavender complex cultural space; 4.8 billion won will be allocated for maintenance of areas at risk of landslides on steep slopes; 7 billion won for major road construction, such as the road between Bukpyeong Middle School and Bong-o Village; and 18 billion won for urban regeneration projects.

Furthermore, Donghae City has allocated 3.5 billion won to ensure the successful hosting of the 61st Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Citizens’ Sports Festival, scheduled for 2026. The city plans to continue systematic preparations for the event, including organizing competitions by sport, ensuring safety management, and providing convenience for spectators, so that citizens and athletes can enjoy the festival in a safe and pleasant environment.

Shim Kyueon, Mayor of Donghae City, stated, "In line with the government’s policy direction to strengthen the role of fiscal policy as a priming pump for recovery and growth, we will do our utmost to realize a 'Happy Donghae' by pursuing efficient investments through selective focus on improving citizen-oriented living SOC and the local economy and welfare sectors, even under challenging fiscal conditions, through expansionary budgeting."

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