Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
Jeonju considers higher public fees as it faces a budget shortfall
The city of Jeonju in South Korea is planning major budget cuts as it faces a growing shortage of funds.
For 2027, the city expects its own revenue to fall about 26.7 billion won short of essential costs and debt repayments.
To raise revenue, Jeonju is considering gradually increasing the price of standard waste bags and fees for sports facilities, aiming to bring them closer to national averages.
It has put plans to raise water and sewer charges on hold and says it will consider discounts to protect people on low incomes.
The city also plans to cut private subsidies by 20% each year through 2030 and reduce routine and event spending by at least 20%.
It will review major projects, delay some that have not started and limit new borrowing to necessary cases.
Jeonju expects a 26.7 billion won shortfall in its 2027 general-account budget.
The city is considering raising public fees, including prices for standard-volume garbage bags and sports facilities.
It plans to bring garbage-bag and sports-facility fees in line with national averages, while keeping columbarium fees unchanged.
A planned increase in water and sewer charges has been put on hold.
The city also plans spending cuts, stronger revenue collection and a review of major investment projects.
- Who
- Jeonju city.
- What
- The city is considering public fee increases and budget measures to address a projected shortfall.
- When
- The plans were reported on October 21, 2026; the shortfall is forecast for 2027.
- Where
- Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
- Why
- The city forecasts that its own-source revenue will fall about 26.7 billion won short of essential expenses and local debt repayments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jeonju launched a special committee on fiscal innovation.
The city reported its fiscal plans, including possible public fee increases and spending cuts.
Jeonju forecasts a 26.7 billion won shortfall between own-source revenue and essential expenses and debt repayments.
- Projected shortfall
- 267억원 (about 26.7 billion won) in 2027
- Garbage-bag price
- 460 won for a 20-litre bag; the resident burden rate is 16.5%
- Planned fee approach
- Garbage-bag and sports-facility fees to be aligned with national averages
- Water and sewer charges
- Increase plan temporarily put on hold
- Private subsidies
- Planned annual cuts of 20% through 2030
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What people are saying
In these serious fiscal conditions, sound and efficient fiscal management is a key task that will determine the city's future.