The Michuhol-gu Council in Incheon has canceled a planned overseas study trip and returned the full budget allocation, citing a desire to share the burden with residents struggling under economic stagnation and high prices.
The council announced Tuesday that all members had agreed not to proceed with the second-half overseas trip in light of deteriorating domestic and international economic conditions.
At a lawmakers' meeting in July, members reached a consensus that resolving local issues and stabilizing residents' livelihoods should take priority over overseas travel.
A total of 95 million won ($68,600) in travel and related expenses was returned in full through the second supplementary budget for 2026, passed at the 298th regular session.
The returned funds are expected to be redirected toward stabilizing residents' daily lives, revitalizing the local economy and supporting programs for vulnerable groups.
"We concluded that it was right for the council to cut spending and focus on people's livelihoods at a time when residents are feeling a heavy economic burden," council Speaker Kim Jin-gu said.
Meanwhile, the Michuhol-gu Council visited its sister city of Zuunmod, Mongolia, in August, marking the 21st anniversary of the sister-city relationship following an official invitation. During the visit, the council delivered Official Development Assistance supplies to a child protection center in Zuunmod and held substantive policy exchanges with neighboring district councils on urban regeneration and local commercial district revitalization.
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
