District council approves 86.9 billion won supplementary budget, bringing total to 1.3 trillion won
Key projects include Han River connectivity study and IB international education special zone
Childcare, elderly welfare and disaster-safety spending also reflected to stabilize residents' daily lives
Gangdong-gu in Seoul said its second supplementary budget for 2026, worth 86.9 billion won ($64.3 million), has been finalized after passing a vote in the Gangdong-gu District Council.
The supplementary budget raises the district's total spending plan by approximately 86.9 billion won from the original budget, bringing it to 1.3 trillion won. It is the first supplementary budget drawn up since the launch of the 9th elected term.
The district said the budget reflects mandatory fiscal needs arising from the confirmation of central and city government subsidy projects. It also concentrates resources on select 9th-term policy priorities — including strengthening Han River connectivity, advancing education reform and improving roads — that require early action.
A flagship initiative is the Gangdong Han River Greenway project, which aims to link the Han River, Godeoksan and urban residential areas. The district has allocated 150 million won for a feasibility study and master plan to strengthen Han River connectivity in Gangdong, covering the viability of a Godeoksan observatory and a green bridge. The goal is to create spaces where residents can enjoy the Han River and nature as part of their everyday lives.
The district is also accelerating its push for an International Baccalaureate education internationalization special zone to raise Gangdong's educational competitiveness. Some 108 million won has been set aside for advisory services, conferences, workshops and parent briefing sessions related to the special zone drive. The district plans to build an internationalized education foundation suited to local conditions and develop an education-reform model that brings together schools, parents and the community.
Road infrastructure improvements closely tied to residents' daily lives are also on the agenda. The budget includes 120 million won for a feasibility study on improving roads in the district — including Godeok-ro — to address traffic congestion and poor road alignment, and 130 million won for road maintenance work to meet urgent repair needs. Traffic-safety initiatives such as road-marking upkeep and a green traffic-safety guardian program will also be expanded.
Spending on urban infrastructure maintenance directly linked to disaster prevention and public safety has also been increased. The budget adds funding for sewer structure repairs, dredging of drainage pipes and storm drains in flood-prone areas, and maintenance of Godeokcheon stream.
The supplementary budget also includes a significant increase in welfare spending tied to confirmed central and city government subsidy programs.
Major increases include 8.88 billion won for child allowances, 8.69 billion won for infant and toddler childcare fees, 7.52 billion won for livelihood benefits, 6.78 billion won for parental allowances, 5.49 billion won for housing benefits and 4.68 billion won for basic pension payments.
Additional measures include increased funding for seasonal public health programs — such as national vaccination and COVID-19 inoculation drives — to get ahead of winter demand. Everyday-life projects are also included, among them repairs to the heating and cooling systems at Onjo Daewang Culture and Sports Center and installation of book-return machines at public libraries to improve accessibility for those with limited digital literacy.
"This supplementary budget focuses on kickstarting the key projects that will strengthen Gangdong's future competitiveness — in areas like the Han River and education — and on providing stable support for essential welfare services directly tied to residents' daily lives, including childcare, children and the elderly," District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "We will push ahead with these projects at full speed so that Gangdong can become a 'wannabe Gangdong' — a place everyone wants to live, offering the relaxed lifestyle the Han River provides and an education environment where raising children is a joy."
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