Budget rises 112.4 billion won from 2026 as district strategically allocates limited resources
Local economy revival and stronger welfare safety net to anchor spending priorities
Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul has submitted a 2027 budget proposal of 1.33 trillion won ($990 million) to the district council.
The figure represents a 112.4 billion won increase from the 2026 base budget, driven mainly by growth in dependent revenue sources including central and municipal subsidies and real estate grant allocations.
Reflecting residents' needs, the district strategically allocated its limited resources around four priority investment areas: supporting the recovery of livelihoods and the vitalization of the local economy; strengthening a comprehensive welfare and public health safety net for all generations; expanding a comfortable and safe living environment and urban infrastructure; and building an education and culture district where residents can thrive.
The livelihood and local economy segment received 28.3 billion won. The district will issue 10 billion won worth of Eunpyeong Love gift certificates and 300 million won in delivery-only gift certificates to stimulate local spending, while also supporting the modernization of traditional market facilities and cultural events. A second startup support center will be established to help new businesses put down roots in the area.
The welfare and public health segment received the largest allocation at 921.1 billion won. Spending includes 281.6 billion won for basic pensions, 203 billion won for livelihood and residential benefit payments, 47.2 billion won for disability activity support, and 45.7 billion won for childcare subsidies, all aimed at strengthening the basic livelihood safety net.
The district will continue its signature "Ai-Mom Taxi" service and tailored support for single-person households and middle-aged residents, while newly introducing a childbirth support grant and a marriage support grant to actively address the low birth rate. To support leisure activities and welfare for senior residents, the district plans to launch the Eunpyeong-style Just-Do-It-For-You Center and the Eunpyeong Senior Life Campus.
The living environment and urban infrastructure segment will receive 109.1 billion won. The district will push ahead with the construction of a multipurpose cultural center at the Eungam 2-dong community service center and a major overhaul of the Eunpyeong environmental plant, while continuing its existing Eunpyeong Green Moa-Moa and AI Green Moa-Moa projects.
New initiatives include a public cultural facility shuttle bus for residents in areas underserved by public transit and a bicycle culture recycling hub that repurposes abandoned bicycles. The district will also develop an accessible trail on Bongsan, a children's water playground, and carry out road and stream maintenance work.
The education and culture segment received 49.7 billion won. The district will open the Sinsa Youth Culture Center and expand its "one neighborhood, one university" community-university partnership program to a "one neighborhood, multiple universities" model. The existing media center will be reorganized into a learner support center, and a screen park golf course for senior residents will be built in vacant commercial space near Saejeolyeok Station.
Resident participation events will include a cherry blossom festival, the Eunpyeong Nuri Festival, the Eunpyeong Book and Culture Festival, and a Youth Day event. The district will also host the International Forum for World Youth and the Seoul International Children's Film Festival.
The budget proposal is set to be finalized on Dec. 16 after deliberation at the Eunpyeong District Council's regular session.
"Even amid difficult fiscal conditions, we drew up this budget with a focus on protecting residents' daily lives and preparing Eunpyeong for the future," District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung said. "We will maintain fiscal sustainability while creating changes that residents can feel."
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