Ulsan has officially launched a full-scale drive to secure a 4 trillion won national budget for 2027, marking a decisive step toward revitalizing the local economy and strengthening long-term growth engines. The city aims to obtain 3 trillion won in central government funding and 1 trillion won in local allocation tax, mobilizing its full administrative capacity to support industrial transformation and sustainable urban development.
On February 3, Ulsan City held a strategic briefing on securing the 2027 national budget at City Hall, where senior officials reviewed detailed plans and priorities for next year’s funding requests. The meeting was attended by the mayor, the vice mayor for economic affairs, and heads of major departments, who examined alignment with central government policies, the status of newly proposed national projects, and strategies to ensure funding for key ongoing initiatives. The session marked a critical starting point for Ulsan’s ambition to enter the 4 trillion won budget era.
In 2026, Ulsan secured 3.7408 trillion won in national funding, including 2.7754 trillion won in government subsidies and 965.4 billion won in local allocation tax, the largest budget total in the city’s history. Building on this achievement, the city has set a more ambitious target of 4 trillion won for 2027, an increase of 259.2 billion won from the previous year. City officials believe the goal is attainable, provided that projects are strategically designed and closely aligned with national policy priorities.
At the core of Ulsan’s 2027 budget strategy is policy coherence with the central government. The city is focusing on identifying new projects that align with national industrial, transportation, and regional development agendas, while reinforcing funding justifications for long-standing local priorities. The objective extends beyond expanding fiscal 규모, aiming instead to translate public investment into tangible improvements in competitiveness and quality of life.
 [The Korean Today] The main building of Ulsan Metropolitan City Hall © By Soyoung Jeong |
Among the flagship new initiatives is the Ulsan–Yangsan–Busan metropolitan railway project, a key infrastructure plan under the broader southeastern megaregion concept. The railway is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, facilitate industrial and logistics integration, and enhance commuting convenience. Another strategic project involves the development of a Korean urban air mobility (UAM) safety and operation demonstration system, positioning Ulsan at the forefront of next-generation mobility technologies. Additional proposals include science and technology innovation support programs, the establishment of a regional growth fund, and the creation of a heritage-based experiential cultural landscape along the Bangudae and Bangucheon areas.
Major ongoing projects also feature prominently in the budget plan. These include the construction of Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1, the Ulsan Outer Ring Expressway, a shipbuilding and marine startup cluster, a canoe slalom stadium, and a historical and cultural exploration route in the Bangudae area. Collectively, these projects are expected to strengthen industrial competitiveness, improve transportation efficiency, and expand cultural and tourism infrastructure.
To maximize the likelihood of budget approval, Ulsan has established a detailed timeline and response strategy. Budget proposals will be submitted to central ministries by the end of April, followed by inter-ministerial coordination through May as the national budget draft is finalized. Once the government submits the draft budget to the National Assembly in September, the city plans to maintain active engagement throughout the legislative review process.
During the briefing, the mayor emphasized the importance of thorough preparation at the project planning stage. He stressed that proposals must demonstrate clear feasibility, policy relevance, and economic impact in order to remain competitive during budget deliberations. The city also plans to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and expand communication with central government agencies.
Policy experts view Ulsan’s 4 trillion won budget target as a pivotal moment for the city. Large-scale national funding, they argue, could accelerate industrial upgrading, create new employment opportunities, and deliver substantial improvements in transportation and living infrastructure. Such investments are expected to have a direct and lasting impact on residents’ quality of life.
Looking ahead, Ulsan intends to use the 2027 national budget not only as a short-term economic stimulus but as a foundation for a long-term urban vision. By strategically allocating resources across industry, mobility, culture, and advanced technology, the city aims to deliver visible and sustainable change. The push for a 4 trillion won national budget in 2027 is widely seen as a critical catalyst for Ulsan’s next phase of growth.
[ By Soyoung Jeong | Ulsan Gangbuk | ulsangangbuk@thekoreantoday.com ]
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