Yeosu City (Mayor Jeong Ki-myeong) announced on the 13th that it had secured 769 billion won in national funds, an increase of 30.5 billion won from this year, in the ’2025 government budget’ passed by the National assembly on the 10th.
Despite the government’s austerity fiscal stance and the National Assembly’s decision to reduce the budget without increasing it for the first time in history, the government secured a national budget exceeding that of the previous year, achieving the highest amount ever.
Consequently, the promotion of major pending projects is expected to accelerate as government budgets are secured in various fields such as large-scale SOC, disaster safety, culture/tourism, agriculture, forestry, and marine.
State-funded projects in the SOC field reflected in the government budget include ▲Yeosu Hwatae-Baekya road construction project (69.3 billion won),▲Yeosu-Namhae undersea tunnel construction project (69.4 billion won), and ▲Gyeongdo Marine Tourism Complex access road opening (8 billion won). .
In the agriculture, forestry and maritime sectors, ▲ Gwangyang Port Nakpo Pier Redevelopment project (46.4 billion won) ▲ Gwangyang (Yeocheon) Port myodo Waterway Straightening Project (40.3 billion won) ▲ Special Situation Area Development Project (4th Island Thorough Development Project) (15.27 billion won) Won) etc. were reflected.
In the field of disaster safety, the introduction of a large-capacity artillery discharge system in the Honam region (KRW 2.28 billion) and the maintenance project for areas at risk of collapse in steep slopes (Nam-myeon and Sora districts) (KRW 1.15 billion) were secured.
In particular, the city signed a business agreement with the National Fire Agency in September of last year to ‘introduce a large-capacity artillery discharge system in the Honam region’ and has continued to express the need for introduction to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the Ministry of strategy and Finance, and the National Assembly.
it is indeed expected that the reflection of KRW 2.28 billion in the government’s budget will secure industrial safety at workplaces in the Honam region in addition to the Yeosu Industrial Complex and will be of great help in heavy rain and fire scenes.
in addition, ▲hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo international event (KRW 2.3 billion) and ▲southern regional tourism development project (beauty and spa wellness tourism base project) (KRW 1 billion) were included.
The city explained that it tried to increase the National Assembly’s additional budget of 3.2 billion won for the Island Expo project,but did not reach the final reflection,and that it plans to do its best in the government’s supplementary budget next year to ensure smooth preparations for the Island Expo,which is about 630 days away.
Mayor Jeong Ki-myeong said,“Despite arduous local financial conditions,thanks to the great support and cooperation of National Assembly members Joo Cheol-hyeon and Jo Gye-won,as well as provincial and city council members,we achieved the result of securing the largest national budget ever,” adding,“In preparation for next year’s government supplementary budget,we were able to secure people’s livelihoods and the economy.” “We will actively discover recovery-related projects and strive to reflect them in the government budget,” he said.
Meanwhile,Yeosu City (Mayor Jeong Ki-myeong) was selected as an ‘association with excellent performance in commercializing K-drone delivery’ in the 2024 drone demonstration city construction project hosted by the Ministry of Land,infrastructure and Transport,and was recognized for its leading role in commercializing drone delivery.
From august to November, the city delivered daily necessities and delivery food weighing less than 5 kg by drone to 10 island villages, including Songdo, Dae-Sodurado, Dae-Soheunggando, Jedo island, Sang-Hahwado Island, Geumodo Island, and gaedo Island.
In November, a ‘drone reverse delivery service’ was offered where hotel guests in Dolsan could order the island’s specialties, steamed abalone and boiled rock octopus, providing unique enjoyment.
these achievements are the result of the city being selected for the ‘Drone Demonstration City Construction Contest’ hosted by the ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for two consecutive years and securing a total budget of 1.72 billion won, including 1.2 billion won in government funds.
Previously, the city established a systematic delivery infrastructure, including installing drone take-off and landing sites and control systems at Dolsan Jinmo and Jakgeum Ports and Gaedo Island in Hwajeong-myeon, and developing the delivery app ‘Yeosu Fly’.
In addition, services were expanded to the public sector, such as the side dish delivery service of the Yeosu City Community Security Council and the drone delivery of welfare support goods by Yeosu jeil Credit Union, receiving great response from island residents.
In the future, we plan to use the drone industry in various fields such as drone logistics delivery, drone sports, and disaster response.
Mayor Jeong Ki-myeong said, “The commercialization of island drone delivery is helping to improve settlement conditions and increase residents’ income by resolving logistics inconveniences in the island area,” and added, “We will continue to advance technology through various drone utilization projects to become a leading city in future mobility.” “He said.
economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Yeosu City
Interview: Yeosu City’s Future Funding and Development – A Conversation with Economic Expert Dr. Lee
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have a special guest with us, Dr. Lee, an expert in economic development and public policy.We’re diving into a important development regarding Yeosu City, which has recently secured a remarkable 769 billion won in national funds for its 2025 government budget.Dr. Lee, welcome!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting development for Yeosu.
Time.news Editor: To start off, can you shed some light on the significance of Yeosu City securing this funding, especially in the context of the national government’s austerity measures?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! Yeosu’s achievement is quite remarkable,especially given the backdrop of the government cutting its budget for the first time in history. securing a budget increase like this signals strong local governance and effective advocacy at the national level. These funds will not only help fulfill critical infrastructure projects but also boost the local economy.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of infrastructure, the funding will support various projects, including the Yeosu Hwatae-baekya road construction and the Yeosu-Namhae undersea tunnel projects. Why are these particular projects so essential for the region?
Dr. Lee: These projects are vital for improving connectivity and operational efficiency in and around Yeosu. The road construction will facilitate better transportation for residents and businesses,while the undersea tunnel will likely enhance trade and tourism. By improving infrastructure, Yeosu can attract more investments and tourists, which is crucial for its economic growth.
Time.news Editor: We’ve also seen funds allocated for disaster safety enhancements, including a large-capacity artillery discharge system. How critical is this investment in the context of recent climatic events?
Dr. Lee: Given the increase in extreme weather patterns globally,disaster preparedness has become more crucial than ever. The investment in a large-capacity artillery discharge system will strengthen firefighting capabilities and help manage heavy rainfall efficiently. This not only protects lives and property but also alleviates concerns for industries that rely on stable conditions. Securing funding for such initiatives indicates a proactive approach by local authorities to safeguard their communities.
Time.news Editor: The funding also includes support for cultural and tourism projects, such as hosting the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. How do events like these influence local development?
Dr. Lee: Hosting international events like the World Island Expo can be a double-edged sword but done right; they serve as a tremendous chance for local development. They draw global attention and can lead to increased tourism and investment. Additionally, they create momentum for beautification and infrastructure upgrades that benefit both visitors and residents long-term. Such projects can catalyze a broader economic transformation for Yeosu.
Time.news Editor: Given all these developments, what do you think the future holds for Yeosu City over the next few years?
Dr. Lee: If Yeosu continues on this trajectory, I foresee ample growth and modernization. The investment in various sectors could diversify the local economy, create jobs, and improve quality of life for residents. However, it’s crucial that the government manages these projects effectively and engages the community in the planning process to harness the full potential of this funding.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights on this vital topic! Yeosu City seems to be on a promising path forward, leveraging national support wisely.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Yeosu, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these plans unfold in the coming years.
Time.news Editor: That’s a wrap for today! We appreciate your time and insights. Stay tuned, everyone, as we continue to bring you updates on significant developments across the globe.