Key campaign pledge of Mayor Kang Ki-yun clears city council; program to launch in first half of 2027, benefiting 24,000 students

A view of Changwon City Hall [Changwon City]
A view of Changwon City Hall [Changwon City]

Changwon will provide up to 500,000 won ($373) per student to incoming elementary, middle and high school students starting in 2027, the city announced Tuesday. The initiative, a signature campaign pledge of Changwon Mayor Kang Ki-yun, will offer universal education welfare benefits regardless of household income.

The city said it has established the legal basis to move forward after the Changwon City Council passed the Changwon Elementary, Middle and High School Enrollment Support Ordinance at a plenary session. About 24,000 first-year students registered as Changwon residents will be eligible.

Each student will receive up to 500,000 won, though the amount will be reduced if the student has already received enrollment support under other laws or ordinances. Those who have received a low-income student grant of 100,000 won or a South Gyeongsang Province Office of Education multi-child household goods subsidy of 300,000 won will have those amounts deducted from their payment.

The support will be issued as mobile Changwon Love Gift Certificates (Nubijeon), redeemable at local education-related merchants for books, school supplies, clothing, footwear, eyewear and smart devices. Applications can be submitted online through the Government24 portal or in person at the administrative welfare center in the student's registered neighborhood.

The city plans to finalize the budget in December and draw up a detailed implementation plan in January, with full rollout set for the first half of 2027.

"Expanding support from incoming elementary, middle and high school students all the way to new university students reflects the city's commitment to taking responsibility for children's new beginnings," Mayor Kang said. "We will broaden universal education welfare so that every student can pursue their dreams from an equal starting line."


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