Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 11th that it has submitted the budget proposal for the year 2026 to the Jeonbuk Provincial Council, allocating a total budget of 10.977 trillion won. This represents an increase of 2.492 billion won (2.3%) compared to the previous year, with a focus on improving people's livelihoods, fostering future industries, and enhancing local development conditions.

Despite challenging financial conditions due to economic slowdown and reduced tax revenue, the budget prioritizes key tasks such as expanding support for small business owners and youth, establishing ecosystems for new industries like secondary batteries and AI, adding value to agricultural products, transitioning towards a culture and tourism-based economy, improving living infrastructure, and laying the groundwork for hosting the Summer Olympics in Jeonju.

The province plans to concentrate investments on future core industries such as secondary batteries, Saemangeum hydrogen verification, and physical AI industries, while establishing a comprehensive support system for the entire lifecycle, including setting up advanced analysis centers and creating funds. It will also work on transitioning the agricultural and rural systems, including supporting young farmers and innovating agricultural product distribution.

On the social policy front, efforts will be made to strengthen public care and population support through initiatives like half-priced rental housing, support for multi-child households' vehicles, and assistance for childcare fees for foreign children. The province will also simultaneously focus on disaster prevention technology adoption and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

Efforts will be made to lay the groundwork for hosting the Summer Olympics in Jeonju, including seeking government approval, engaging in international sports diplomacy, conducting feasibility studies, and showcasing the potential to the international community.

Furthermore, the province will focus on ensuring fiscal soundness by significantly reducing the local bond issuance from 20 billion won to 5 billion won, reallocating funds to areas with high perceived impact and streamlining projects with low effectiveness. Governor Kim Gwanyoung emphasized that this budget represents a turning point leading to substantial changes in the lives of residents and pledged to enhance the execution of outcome-driven policies to ensure tangible effects are felt on the ground.