Hello everyone! When you hear the word ‘budget,’ do you usually think of complicated and rigid numbers? But hidden among those numbers are warm and interesting stories that change the lives of our neighbors, families, and ourselves. Today, I will introduce 10 exciting and unique projects included in the 2026 budget, like stories from movies or novels.
1. ‘Safety Footing’ for Elderly Drivers
“Is my parent still safe to drive?” This is a worry many have had. Especially for elderly drivers in the transportation industry, a momentary pedal misoperation could lead to serious accidents, causing great anxiety.
So the government has stepped up. A new program will support installing ‘pedal misoperation prevention devices’ for transportation operators aged 65 and older. When the vehicle is nearly stopped or reversing and the accelerator is suddenly pressed hard, the smart device recognizes it as a mistake and prevents sudden acceleration. This device will serve as a reliable ‘safety footing’ protecting both our parents and everyone on the road.
- Budget: 500 million KRW (new)
- Target: About 2,000 taxi and small freight drivers aged 65 and older
- Support: 50–80% of the device installation cost (440,000 KRW per unit)
2. Safe Calls Showing Only ‘Real Police’
“This is Investigator OOO from Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office.” Have you ever received such a call? Voice phishing impersonating investigative agencies has become so sophisticated that even when real police call, many hang up thinking “Is this phishing?”
From 2026, this worry will ease. When police or investigative agencies make official calls, your smartphone screen will clearly display the caller ID certified by the telecom company, such as “OO Police Station.” Now you can clearly distinguish real from fake, protecting your assets and facilitating investigations—a win-win effect.
- Budget: 860 million KRW (new)
- Expected Effect: Reduction of phishing crimes impersonating investigative agencies and prevention of public damage
3. ‘Forest Weddings’ in National Parks
Dreaming of a special wedding different from others on the most important day of your life? That dream is now becoming reality. The government plans to create ‘forest wedding venues’ in beautiful national parks at affordable costs.
Imagine getting married surrounded by the stunning nature of Bukhansan, Sobaeksan, Naejangsan, and more—doesn’t it sound romantic? Especially for vulnerable soon-to-be couples, additional support for flower decorations and makeup will reduce financial burdens and add to happy memories. We hope more couples will start their new lives blessed by nature.
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- Budget: 3.5 billion KRW (new)
- Expected Effect: Reduced wedding costs and expanded cultural resource services in national parks
4. Clean Up Our Neighborhood! ‘National Land Cleanup’
Our beautiful rural and fishing villages have often been marred by abandoned household waste and agricultural refuse.
In 2026, a large-scale ‘National Land Cleanup’ will begin. Local residents will form ‘collection support teams’ to clean up waste throughout their villages, with strong government support. Support for removing waste floating in dams, rivers, and seas will also expand. A cleaner land will refresh not only residents but also urban visitors to rural areas.
- Budget: 82.9 billion KRW (7.7 billion KRW increase from 2025)
- Expected Effect: Improved living conditions and scenery in rural areas, enhanced quality of life for residents
5. Protecting the Assets of Dementia Patients
Sadly, we often hear of elderly dementia patients falling victim to fraud or asset seizure due to impaired judgment. To prevent losing lifelong savings, the government will become a reliable ‘asset manager.’
The ‘Dementia Safe Asset Management Support Service’ is a pilot project where the National Pension Service safely manages assets through trust contracts upon the elderly’s request. By managing daily expenses like hospital bills and necessary purchases, it aims to protect assets and ensure stable retirement life.
- Budget: 1.9 billion KRW (new)
- Implementing Agency: National Pension Service
- Expected Effect: Prevention of economic damage to dementia patients and improved quality of life
6. Preventing ‘Manhole Traps’ During Heavy Rain
“Watch out for manhole covers on rainy days!” This may soon be a thing of the past. During heavy rains, backflow in sewers sometimes lifts manhole covers, posing serious safety risks.
To prevent further casualties, the government will install ‘fall prevention devices’ in all manholes in flood-prone areas nationwide. Even if the cover opens, a sturdy safety device underneath prevents falls, so no worries about accidentally stepping in. We will carefully cover even unseen places so people can walk safely despite frequent heavy rains caused by climate change.
- Budget: 110.4 billion KRW (new)
- Installation Scale: 206,754 sites across 15 cities and provinces
- Expected Effect: Prevention of manhole fall accidents during heavy rain and protection of lives
7. ‘Life Alarm’ for Old Apartments
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Old apartments lacking fire facilities like sprinklers are especially vulnerable to fires. Fires spreading while residents sleep or are unaware can cause severe casualties.
To reduce this risk, the government will promote the distribution of ‘standalone smoke detectors.’ Priority installation support will be given to vulnerable households such as children, elderly, and disabled residents in apartments built before 2005. This ’life alarm’ reacts sensitively to even small smoke and sounds a strong alarm to help early evacuation and save precious lives.
- Budget: 7.2 billion KRW (new)
- Target: 500,000 vulnerable households in old apartments built before 2005
- Expected Effect: Reduced fire recognition time and prevention of casualties
8. Reaching Out First to Isolated Youth
There are more young people struggling alone, isolated from society, than we might think (estimated about 540,000). What they may need most is warm attention that asks, “Are you okay?”
The ‘Online Care Pilot Project’ starts with this spirit. Professional counselors will contact youths in need first through online channels like KakaoTalk or text messages, regularly checking in and listening as a ‘companion.’ This small act of reaching out can open young hearts and plant precious seeds of courage to rejoin society.
- Budget: 1 billion KRW (new)
- Expected Effect: Alleviation of isolation and improved emotional and psychological stability
9. Watch Traffic Violation Videos at Home
“What did I violate?” Previously, after receiving a traffic violation notice, you had to visit the police station to check video evidence—an inconvenience that will now disappear.
From now on, traffic fines will include a QR code. Simply scan it with your smartphone and complete a quick identity verification to instantly view your violation video anytime, anywhere. This small but definite change saves citizens time and effort—a smart policy.
- Budget: 760 million KRW (new)
- Expected Effect: Improved public convenience and reduced police station visits
10. Robots Remove Landmines Instead of Our Sons
South Korea still has over one million landmines buried in an area 40 times the size of Yeouido. Until now, our military personnel have carried out the dangerous task of removing them. Parents sending their sons to the military have understandably worried.
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Now robots will take on this dangerous mission. AI-equipped robots will detect and safely remove explosives and landmines instead of humans. This is expected to reduce soldier casualties by 15 times and triple the speed of mine detection. Behind this project is a touching story of a soldier’s heartfelt letter pleading for the safety of his comrades.
- Budget: 113.2 billion KRW (92.3 billion KRW increase from 2025)
- Expected Effect: Dramatic reduction in soldier casualties and safer military service environment
How was it? Aren’t the 10 stories in the 2026 budget really fascinating? The budget is not just numbers but a commitment and effort to lead our lives in a better direction. Let’s look forward together to the enjoyable changes coming to our daily lives!