Politics

Seoul City Council Approves 2026 Community Welfare Budget Amendment, Expanding Services Across All Districts

The July 7 vote adds 45 billion won to neighborhood programs that provide childcare, elder support and job training for residents in every one of the city's 25 districts.

By Seoul Policy Desk · Published July 8, 2026

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Seoul City Council Approves 2026 Community Welfare Budget Amendment, Expanding Services Across All Districts — Photo by pepsiline / flickr (pdm)

Seoul Metropolitan Council members passed the 2026 Community Welfare Budget Amendment on July 7, directing an additional 45 billion won to local social service centers. The measure affects families, seniors and job seekers who use facilities in districts from Jongno-gu to Gangseo-gu.

The amendment comes as the Seoul Metropolitan Government updates its annual welfare allocations under the existing Community Services Framework Ordinance. Council records show the change responds to updated population data that project a 12 percent rise in residents aged 65 and older by 2028.

Services Available to Residents

Under the new allocation, 18 district welfare centers will extend operating hours by two evenings per week and add slots for after-school care. A resident in Nowon-gu, for example, can register a child for an additional 20 hours of supervised programs each month without an increase in fees. Seniors in Songpa-gu gain access to two new weekly meal-delivery routes serving 340 households previously on waiting lists.

Job-training contracts with 12 local nonprofits will also receive renewed funding. The contracts cover certification courses in caregiving and basic digital skills, with 1,800 places reserved for participants living in low-income housing estates.

Budget Figures and Next Steps

Seoul city budget documents list the total community welfare line item rising from 320 billion won to 365 billion won. Of the increase, 28 billion won is tagged for personnel at the centers and 17 billion won for equipment and supplies, according to the amendment text adopted on July 7.

Implementation begins August 1, with district offices required to submit updated service schedules to the Seoul Metropolitan Government by July 25. Monthly progress reports will be posted on the city website starting in September.

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