Busan, South Korea Secures 2027 Budget Support; Export-Oriented Research Reactor and Other Projects Included in Government Proposal

Busan Metropolitan City recently announced that multiple national projects aligned with its core development goals have been included in the South Korean government's 2027 budget proposal, including the Gadeok Island New Airport, a new export-oriented research reactor, a heavy ion accelerator, as well as industrial projects such as port artificial intelligence, naval vessel maintenance, repair and overhaul, and power semiconductors.

Under the budget arrangement, the Gadeok Island New Airport construction project has secured 431.1 billion KRW in support. To enhance maritime and logistics competitiveness, the budget proposal also includes 7.35 billion KRW for a demonstration project on autonomous port cargo handling equipment, 36.4 billion KRW to support shipbuilding and shipping cooperation, 5 billion KRW to strengthen the global competitiveness of small and medium-sized shipbuilders in naval vessel maintenance, repair and overhaul, and an additional 24.9 billion KRW allocated for the development of a fishery products industrial cluster.

In the areas of emerging industries and research infrastructure, the budget proposal allocates 152.8 billion KRW for the research, development and demonstration of a new export-oriented research reactor, and 8.5 billion KRW for the construction of a heavy ion accelerator. Additionally, 2 billion KRW will be used for the development of large next-generation aircraft fuselage technology using domestically produced composite materials, 3.5 billion KRW for building compound semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure suitable for extreme and polar environments, and 3.1 billion KRW for establishing an advanced regenerative medicine clinical demonstration platform.

Urban transportation and livelihood projects have also been included in the budget. The Sasang–Hadan subway line, Eomgung Bridge, Seunghak Tunnel, and the road project connecting Busan Bridge and Dongsam Innovation City have each secured corresponding funding support. Urban renewal projects in nine districts, including the Water Supply District, will receive 25.62 billion KRW. The Busan Children's Hospital construction project has secured 10 billion KRW, and funding has also been arranged for the Smart Senior Center, community healthcare platforms, the Ami Mountain sunset viewing point development, and the replacement and maintenance of eco-friendly vessels for Nakdong River ecotourism.

Busan Metropolitan City stated that it will continue to secure additional necessary funding during the National Assembly's budget review process, ensuring the stable implementation of projects already included in the government budget proposal while continuing to push for supplementary support for key local projects.