Cheorwon County Sets 2026 Budget at 620.5 Billion Won... Focus on a 'Sustainable Future' Amid Population Cliff

Cheorwon Focuses on a Sustainable Future Amid Population Cliff
“Cheorwon to Stay, Cheorwon to Return”
Emphasis on Improving Living Conditions
Declaration of a Leap Toward a Hopeful Cheorwon in 2026
New Emergency Transport Support and Accelerated Public Funeral Facility Development

On December 4, Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province explained its 2026 county administration direction and submitted a budget proposal totaling 620.5 billion won at the 310th temporary session of the Cheorwon County Council.

Hyun-Jong Lee, the governor of Cheorwon County, is explaining the direction of county administration for 2026 through the 310th temporary session of the Cheorwon County Council on the 4th. Provided by Cheorwon County

This represents a 9.42% increase compared to this year’s original budget of 567 billion won, reflecting the county’s determination to focus its fiscal capacity on proactively responding to the looming population cliff and the risk of regional extinction, as well as supporting local growth.

Cheorwon County Governor Hyun-Jong Lee set the direction for county administration in 2026 as “Cheorwon, Opening a Sustainable Future Together,” and announced plans to focus on five key tasks despite challenging internal and external conditions such as population decline and economic stagnation.

Transforming Cheorwon from a “county people are leaving” to a “county people are returning to,” Cheorwon County presented five core administrative tasks focused on addressing demographic changes and improving living conditions.

First, the county will implement “customized support for Cheorwon residents at every stage of life” in response to demographic changes.

Declaring 2026 as the inaugural year for systematizing population policy, the county will reorganize its existing 138 projects to ensure seamless support. Notably, new programs will be introduced, including a child and youth allowance for those aged 8 to 18, and wedding photography support for engaged couples. In addition, to encourage military officers to move into the county, Cheorwon will support the use of sports facilities for military personnel residing in the area.

Second, the county plans to establish itself as a “stay-type tourism city that supports regional growth and income.”

To link tourism with local income, Cheorwon will enhance its tourism infrastructure. This includes installing a multi-layered curved suspension bridge at Songdaeso to establish the area as a UNESCO Global Geopark attraction, as well as developing the Jiktang Falls Amazing Experience Facility, the Nodong Party Headquarters Multipark, and the Cheorwon Modern and Contemporary Culture Village. The county will also focus on attracting long-term residents by connecting these efforts with the Forest Recreation Workation Center, scheduled for completion in 2026.

Third, the county will “establish a processing, distribution, and sales system for high-quality Cheorwon agricultural products.”

While maintaining the high quality of local agricultural products, the county will also focus on increasing added value. This includes improving greenhouse facilities to adapt to climate change, strengthening support for agricultural processing technologies, and constructing an integrated food support center. Cheorwon will actively promote agricultural sales through event strategies and direct trade markets targeting the county’s annual 8 million visitors.

Fourth, the county will “establish a more comprehensive welfare, health, and safety net to protect the lives of residents.”

In response to an aging population, Cheorwon will strengthen customized care services for seniors and steadily pursue the construction of a comprehensive welfare support center for people with disabilities. To expand public healthcare, the county will complete a tailored health promotion and rehabilitation center and provide financial support for ambulance transfers to general hospitals outside the county, easing the burden on residents. Additionally, the county will accelerate the development of a public comprehensive funeral facility.

Lastly, the county will “expand residential infrastructure for convenient living” by enhancing urban infrastructure and providing a pleasant environment.

Cheorwon will strengthen the competitiveness of its urban infrastructure by expanding LPG pipelines and energy infrastructure in areas not yet supplied with city gas. The county will also increase leisure facilities, such as a multipurpose indoor gymnasium and the Kimhwa Park Golf Course, and expand community parks, including the Samunancheon Water Playground for children and the Wasuri Starlight Park. Notably, the budget for living social overhead capital (SOC), such as water and sewage systems, has been increased by more than 70% compared to the previous year.

The 2026 budget proposal totals 620.5 billion won, with 600.8 billion won allocated to the general account and 19.7 billion won to seven special accounts. To enhance fiscal efficiency, unnecessary and non-urgent projects and subsidy programs have been reduced or adjusted, while investments have been concentrated on projects directly linked to improving residential environments and the quality of life for residents.

Major allocations include: 108.2 billion won (17.44%) to agriculture and forestry; 64.6 billion won (10.41%) to industry and small business, transportation and logistics, and national land and regional development; 105.2 billion won (16.96%) to public order and safety, culture, tourism, and education; 129.1 billion won (20.8%) to social welfare; 82.9 billion won (13.36%) to health and environment; and 130.5 billion won (21.03%) to general public administration, contingency funds, and other sectors.

Cheorwon County Governor Hyun-Jong Lee stated, “We are witnessing a more hopeful and happier Cheorwon as the fruit of our tireless efforts,” and called for the active cooperation of council members.

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