Seoul Referendum Guide Details Effects of Proposed Service Funding Shift on District Budgets

Seoul Metropolitan Government released its official voter guide on July 7 for an August 12 referendum on reallocating portions of property tax revenue. The measure would affect all 4.9 million registered voters by changing how district offices distribute funds for social services rather than road maintenance projects.

The timing follows the conclusion of the 2025 fiscal year audits that showed uneven spending across districts on aging infrastructure. Policy analysts note that several outer districts recorded shortfalls in care facility budgets while central areas completed multiple road upgrades ahead of schedule.

Local Voices on Daily Service Changes

Residents in districts such as Nowon and Gwanak would see projected increases in subsidized home care visits for seniors over age 65, with the guide estimating an average of 12 additional hours per household annually under the new allocation. Families in Mapo and Seodaemun could receive expanded after-school program slots funded by the same revenue shift, reducing current waiting lists that reached 8,400 children last year according to city records.

Community advocates in Eunpyeong district point out that the measure would cap annual infrastructure spending at 35 percent of collected property taxes in each area. This cap replaces the previous flexible formula that allowed districts to exceed that share during construction seasons.

The Productivity Commission report from March 2026 recorded that Seoul spent 1.87 trillion won on district-level social services in the prior budget cycle, representing 22 percent of total local tax intake.

Next Steps for Voters and Implementation

Ballots will list the measure as a simple yes or no question on whether to adopt the new revenue split beginning January 2027. District offices will publish updated service schedules within 90 days after results are certified if the measure passes.