The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education has allocated KRW 2.4 trillion in the 2027 budget, a 6.1% (KRW 138.6 billion) increase from this year's budget.
Ulsan City Superintendent of Education Cho Yong-sik held a press conference at the city Office of Education on the 10th and announced the main directions and contents of next year's budget.
Superintendent Cho said, “Despite difficult financial conditions, we prioritized the budget necessary for students’ learning and growth, and also focused on changes in the school field.”
He said, "We will take full responsibility for basic academic skills and ensure that the customized support needed for each student is provided on time. We will create a school culture of mutual respect and an environment where students can learn with confidence, and help schools focus on their main role instead of unnecessary administrative burden."
The main expenditure budget was organized around five major education policies: 'more enjoyable learning', 'more tailored support', 'warmer relationships', 'more sustainable educational environment', and 'closer administration'.
First, in the field of 'more enjoyable learning', KRW 68.3 billion will be invested, including KRW 8.6 billion to support integrated basic academic skills, KRW 470 million for Ulsan-type public education model 'external education', KRW 6.4 billion for operation of artificial intelligence (AI) key schools and research and leading schools, KRW 2.8 billion for construction of intelligent science rooms, and KRW 2.6 billion for supply of smart devices for students.
220.7 billion won was allocated to the ‘more detailed customization’ field. KRW 3.3 billion was allocated for mental health support for students, KRW 27.6 billion for after-school and child care, KRW 67.8 billion for infant tuition and free education at private kindergartens, and KRW 25.9 billion for free daycare fees at daycare centers. As a new project, KRW 2.9 billion was reflected in support of meal and snack expenses at daycare centers for 3 to 5 year olds.
In the 'warmer relationship' field, 43.5 billion won will be invested, including 2.5 billion won in eradicating school violence, including the operation of the Zero School Violence Center, 1.7 billion won in protecting educational activities, and 22.6 billion won in sports, culture, and arts education.
In the 'more sustainable environment' field, KRW 387.6 billion was reflected, including KRW 68.6 billion for the new construction and relocation of Mugeo High School (tentative name) for the 2nd Daun Elementary School, Seosa Middle School, Yaksu High School, and 3rd Public Special School (tentative name), KRW 64.3 billion for space restructuring and renovation of old schools, and KRW 113.1 billion for school meal costs.
In particular, 1 billion won will be allocated to the 'Ulsan Education Nuri' project, which opens school spaces to local residents, to support facility opening and operate cultural and educational hub schools.
In the 'closer administration' field, which reflects KRW 23.3 billion, KRW 4.1 billion was allocated for operating a school support center, along with KRW 240 million for an intelligent civil service guidance chatbot and KRW 50 million for building an integrated civil service center as new projects.
Superintendent Cho explained, "Although the budget has increased by about KRW 100 billion, excluding funds, there is almost no flexibility in financial management when reflecting rigid expenditure demands such as increased staff labor costs, increased school operating costs due to increases in public fees, and minimal improvements to old schools," and added, "We have tried to fulfill our responsibilities for public education by investing the KRW 28.9 billion in funds we have accumulated so far."
He emphasized, “Education finance is a solid foundation for education,” and “I will do everything in my power to protect education finance, which is the bread and butter of our children.”
Along with next year's main budget, the city office of education has prepared this year's 4th supplementary budget plan at KRW 2.4703 trillion, an increase of KRW 13.7 billion from the existing budget.
The two budget plans will be finalized on December 11 after deliberation and resolution by the Ulsan City Council.
