Damyang-gun has allocated 526.5 billion won in its main budget for 2025. Damyang-gun (Governor Lee Byung-no) compiled a 2025 main budget plan worth 526.5 billion won, focusing on stabilizing people’s livelihoods and revitalizing the local economy, and submitted it to the county council.
By accounting, general accounting was KRW 518.3 billion, an increase of KRW 37.5 billion (7.8%) from the previous year, and special accounting was KRW 8.2 billion, an increase of KRW 0.6 billion (0.8%).
The revenue budget in this budget consists of local taxes of KRW 38.3 billion, non-tax revenues of KRW 24.2 billion, local allocation taxes of KRW 206.1 billion, national and provincial subsidies of KRW 229.3 billion, adjustment grants of KRW 11 billion, and conservation income of KRW 17.6 billion.
The expenditure budget by sector is in the order of KRW 125.1 billion (23.76%) for social welfare, KRW 109.5 billion (20.80%) for agriculture, KRW 79.2 billion (15.04%) for environment, and KRW 32 billion (6.07%) for culture and tourism. The budget plan was prepared with the goal of intensively promoting key projects to restore the people’s economy, including providing welfare for the weak, and to fulfill the pledges of the 8th popular election.
A military official said, “Although it is difficult conditions such as a decrease in tax revenue for two consecutive years, we prepared this budget plan based on the judgment that an active role of finance is needed to stabilize people’s livelihood and revitalize the local economy.” He added, “We will continue to manage difficult financial conditions through strategic budget preparation and operation.” “I will overcome this,” he said.
The 2025 main budget submitted to the County Council will be finalized and approved at the plenary session on December 17 after deliberation by the Damyang County Council.
Meanwhile, Damyang-gun announced that the Damyang-gun Grassroots Community Support Center and Damyang-gun village communities won numerous awards at the ‘2024 Jeollanam-do Village Community Festival’ held at Damyang Sports Complex on the 6th.
This event was a success with the participation of 517 village communities and village activists in Jeollanam-do, along with key local figures such as Chung Chan-gyun, head of the Eastern Region of Jeonnam Province, Damyang County Governor Lee Byeong-no, Jeonnam Provincial Assemblyman Lee Gyu-hyeon, and Damyang County Council Chairman Jeong Cheol-won.
In the village community activity contest held on this day, the Damyang-gun Grassroots Community Support Center was selected as the best center, receiving good scores in various activities and support cases such as Jeonnam village community support activities, village activist operation, and rural talent school.
In addition, the Damyang-gun Gasamunhak-myeon Cheongchon Village Autonomous Association received the grand prize, the highest honor in the happiness care category, and at the video recording contest award ceremony, the Damyang-gun Daedeok-myeon Media Club enjoyed numerous honors, including being selected as an excellence award for producing a video introducing village attractions and culture.
A military official said, “This event was an opportunity to publicize the achievements of the Damyang-gun Grassroots Community Support Center and Damyang-gun village communities. We will not spare any support for sustainable village community activities in the future.”
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Damyang-gun
How does the allocation for social welfare in Damyang-gun’s budget reflect the local government’s response to financial challenges?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Budget Expert on Damyang-gun’s 2025 Budget Allocation
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the recently proposed budget for Damyang-gun for 2025. It’s certainly a significant figure—526.5 billion won. Can you break down for us the main priorities of this budget?
Budget Expert: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Yes, the 2025 budget proposal for Damyang-gun is quite extensive. It primarily focuses on stabilizing people’s livelihoods and revitalizing the local economy. The governor, Lee Byung-no, has emphasized key areas such as social welfare, agriculture, the environment, and culture.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of priorities, I noticed that social welfare received the highest allocation at 125.1 billion won. How important is this investment, especially given the context of recent financial challenges?
Budget Expert: It’s incredibly important. With a significant portion of the budget going to social welfare, it highlights the local government’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable populations. The military official’s statement about the need for an ”active role of finance” reflects the challenges of declining tax revenues over the last two years. Investing in social welfare not only helps stabilize lives but can also stimulate the local economy by increasing consumer spending among those who benefit from these programs.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. Agriculture also received a notable share, with 109.5 billion won allocated. How do you see this focus impacting the local economy?
Budget Expert: Agriculture is a cornerstone of many local economies, especially in regions like Damyang-gun. Supporting agriculture ensures food security, creates jobs, and maintains essential industries in the community. With this significant investment, the government can support agricultural innovation and sustainability, which is crucial for long-term economic health and resilience, particularly in challenging times.
Time.news Editor: The budget also covers environmental initiatives and culture and tourism sectors. Could you elaborate on why these areas are equally important?
Budget Expert: Absolutely. Environmental initiatives are vital for sustainability and protecting natural resources, which directly affects agriculture and tourism—both key sectors in Damyang-gun. Investing in the environment can improve quality of life and attract eco-conscious tourists. As for culture and tourism, with a budget of 32 billion won, it signals that the local government acknowledges the role of tourism in boosting the economy. Promoting cultural heritage can also foster local pride and community involvement.
Time.news Editor: With such a strategic distribution of funds, how do you think the local government will manage the budget’s approval process, given the economic challenges they face?
Budget Expert: The budget will need clarity and robust justification during the approval process. The deliberation by the Damyang County Council will be crucial. They will likely scrutinize each allocation to ensure transparency and the effectiveness of proposed projects. The local government’s proactive stance in acknowledging financial difficulties and proposing a well-considered budget may help gain support from council members.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead to the December 17th plenary session for final approval, what do you think will be the biggest challenges they’ll face?
Budget Expert: The biggest challenge will be justifying the proposed expenditures while balancing the need for immediate relief with long-term sustainability. They will need to persuade the council that these investments are necessary now to build a more resilient future, especially in light of declining revenue. Furthermore, they must effectively communicate how these initiatives will meet the population’s needs and fulfill the promises made during the recent elections.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. It seems that Damyang-gun is taking thoughtful steps toward economic stabilization while prioritizing the community’s needs. We look forward to seeing how the budget progresses in the coming months.
Budget Expert: Thank you for having me. I agree; it’s a pivotal moment for Damyang-gun, and I hope the budget leads to positive outcomes for the community!