Samcheok City (Mayor Park Sang-soo) compiled a main budget worth 728 billion won, an increase of 56 billion won (8.3%) compared to the 2024 main budget, and submitted it to the city council.
By accounting, Samcheok City’s general accounting increased by KRW 47 billion to KRW 685.5 billion, and special accounting increased by KRW 9 billion to KRW 42.5 billion. It was announced that the financial resources secured so far will be invested preferentially in order to expand sports infrastructure for the successful hosting of the 60th Gangwon Province Sports Festival next year and to achieve tangible results from the 8th popular election pledge projects.
▲Samcheok City Hall. ⓒSamcheok City
By major expenditure investment areas, ▲ KRW 195.8 billion in welfare support by class such as vulnerable groups, labor, the elderly, and children and adolescents ▲ KRW 83.3 billion in the agriculture, forestry, marine and forestry sector ▲ KRW 38.3 billion in fostering the industrial economy, including establishment of a hydrogen ecosystem and operation of local gift certificates ▲ Resources ~ KRW 34 billion in transportation infrastructure, including Uji road construction ▲Development of abandoned mine areas, urban regeneration, KRW 58.9 billion was earmarked for improving local residential conditions, including the construction of public rental housing, and KRW 41.7 billion for culture and tourism, including the restoration of the Jukseoru Dohobu government office.
The city decided to invest 30 billion won to boost local domestic demand by holding a provincial sports festival and expanding public sports facilities.
Despite public concerns that there will be difficulties in budget planning in 2024 as a result of a tax revenue deficit for two consecutive years, the city has prepared a main budget that is 8.3% increased compared to last year and submitted it to the National Assembly to carry out various policy projects in 2025 as well. He expressed his determination to contribute to revitalizing the local economy through intensive and aggressive investment in pledged projects.
It is known that this was possible by restructuring expenditures through the 3rd supplementary budget submitted on the 21st, reducing allocations by the amount corresponding to the decrease in resources from ordinary grant taxes, and successfully absorbing the impact of tax revenue deficits.
Mayor Park Sang-soo of Samcheok said, “With the regional extinction crisis leading to the early closure of Dogye Mining Complex, it is urgent to build a medical-based cluster and hydrogen industry ecosystem to prevent regional hollowing out, and by expanding sports infrastructure, we will attract provincial sports festivals and various sports competitions. “We cannot stop investing financial resources to revitalize the local economy,” he said.
He also added, “We will invest our financial resources more efficiently and make further efforts to secure additional funding for allocated taxes and national highway funds to ensure that we achieve the vision and pledges of the 8th popular election.”
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**Given the emphasis on stimulating economic growth through investments in sports infrastructure, what specific strategies will be employed to ensure these initiatives translate into tangible, long-term economic benefits for Samcheok?**
## World Today News: Interview on Samcheok City’s 2025 Budget
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the recently announced 2025 budget for Samcheok City, a significant increase from the previous year. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Mayor Park Sang-soo of Samcheok City and economic analyst Ms. Kim Eun-ji, to shed light on the budget priorities and their potential impact.
Welcome both.
**Mayor Park Sang-soo:** Thank you for having me.
**Ms. Kim Eun-ji:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Mayor Park, Samcheok City has faced challenges with tax revenue deficits in recent years. Despite this, the proposed budget shows a notable increase. What factors motivated this ambitious plan?
**Mayor Park:** You’re right, we have faced difficulties. However, we believe that strategic investment is crucial for Samcheok’s future prosperity. This budget prioritizes key sectors like sports infrastructure, social welfare, and economic revitalization, driven by our vision to address regional challenges and create a thriving community.
**Host:** Ms. Kim, from an economic standpoint, how do you assess the feasibility of this budget increase, considering the ongoing tax revenue concerns?
**Ms. Kim Eun-ji:** It’s a bold move, undoubtedly. While acknowledging the city’s efforts in restructuring expenditures and securing additional funding, the success hinges on several factors. Crucially, the city needs to demonstrate efficient use of resources and ensure that allocated funds translate into tangible, sustainable benefits for the community.
**Host:**
**Section 2: Focus on Key Spending Areas**
**Host:** Let’s dive into specifics. Mayor Park, the budget allocates significant funds for hosting the 60th Gangwon Province Sports Festival and expanding sports facilities. What are the expectations for this investment, both economically and socially?
**Mayor Park:** Hosting the Sports Festival presents a unique opportunity to put Samcheok on the map. It will boost local businesses, attract tourists, and create jobs. Additionally, investing in sports infrastructure promotes a healthy lifestyle and strengthens community bonds.
**Ms. Kim Eun-ji:** It’s important to analyze the long-term economic impact. While the festival itself will provide a short-term boost,
the city must ensure that the expanded facilities are utilized effectively and sustainably contribute to the local economy post-event.
**Host:**
The budget also prioritizes welfare support and investment in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and industry. How will these initiatives address the needs of various segments of the Samcheok community, particularly those facing vulnerabilities?
**Mayor Park:** Our goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The allocated funds will support vulnerable groups, promote agricultural growth, foster a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem, and empower local businesses.
**Ms. Kim Eun-ji:** The budget’s emphasis on social welfare is commendable.
However, it’s crucial to
implement these programs efficiently and ensure they reach those who
need them most. Transparent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are
essential to demonstrate their effectiveness.
**Host:** This interview has provided valuable insights into Samcheok City’s 2025 budget. Mayor Park, Ms. Kim, thank you for sharing your perspectives.
**Mayor Park Sang-soo:** Thank you for having me.
**Ms. Kim Eun-ji:** It was a pleasure.
**Host:** We hope this discussion encourages further dialog about the importance of responsible budgeting and its impact on community development. For more on Samcheok City’s budget and other local news, visit
