Public Sanitary Pads, 200,000 Bottles of Ice Water, 849 km Trail... 'Top 20 Public-Focused Initiatives' [2027 Budget Bill]

A public sanitary pad vending machine has been installed at the Eunpyeong District Office in Seoul. The pilot project for public sanitary pad support aims to guarantee women's health rights by stocking sanitary pads at community centers, public libraries, and youth facilities, allowing anyone in need to use them without any burden at any moment. July 20, 2026, Yonhap News Agency

The 2027 budget bill features a range of initiatives that citizens can tangibly benefit from, including record-high electric vehicle purchase subsidies, a project allowing the public to use artificial intelligence (AI) at no cost, free sanitary pads in public facilities, and the creation of an 849-kilometer long-distance backpacking trail.

One of the most notable projects is the electric vehicle purchase subsidy. The government plans to increase its electric vehicle subsidy support next year to cover a record 430,000 vehicles. The corresponding budget will rise from KRW 1.6 trillion this year to KRW 2.1 trillion next year. Notably, the per-vehicle subsidy for passenger EVs, which has been reduced gradually in past years, will be maintained at KRW 3 million per vehicle for 2027. The number of passenger vehicles supported will be expanded from 260,000 to 370,000, vans from 3,500 to 4,500, and trucks from 40,000 to 60,000, respectively.

Anyone Can Use 'Free AI'

A new project will also launch to integrate AI directly into citizens’ daily lives. The government will newly allocate KRW 250 billion so that the public can use AI services without any subscription fees. The public AI agent will assist with applying for public services such as resident registration issuance, KTX ticket reservations, and passport reissuance. In addition, AI agent services will also be provided in the private domain, such as for travel and caregiving. Through this, the government aims to lower the public’s burden in accessing AI while simultaneously creating an early domestic AI service market.

Citizens are picking up ice water placed on the street in Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam. Photo by Yonhap News

‘Public Sanitary Pads’ at Community Centers and Libraries

Major public facilities will now provide free sanitary pads. The government will significantly increase the related budget from KRW 3.2 billion this year to KRW 22.8 billion next year. Sanitary pads will be constantly stocked and provided via dedicated dispensers at key public facilities such as community centers, libraries, and youth centers. The pilot program, currently underway in 12 local governments during the second half of this year, will expand to 229 regions next year.

Korea’s first long-distance backpacking trail will also be completed next year. The Korea Forest Service will officially open the east–west trail, stretching 849 kilometers in total, and invest KRW 5 billion to establish a 24-hour safety and operations system. Metropolitan centers and regional information booths will be set up, and safety inspections will be conducted along the entire route. Safety and emergency equipment at shelters and rest areas will be enhanced, and 10,000 multilingual and night-reflective signposts will also be installed.

Visitors exploring Achimgari Valley in Girin-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do are enjoying trekking and playing in the clear stream flowing through the primeval forest. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Culture, Welfare, and Care Services All in One Place in the Neighborhood

Ninety complex convenience centers for public life will be built to allow local residents to access culture and welfare services within their daily living areas. A newly allocated budget of KRW 1.5005 trillion will fund the project. The facilities will be flexibly adapted to local needs, combining spaces such as cultural facilities, sports halls, libraries, senior centers, children's centers, senior leisure facilities, shared offices, startup parks, traditional markets, and public parking lots. For new construction, up to KRW 20 billion in support will be provided to local governments, while up to KRW 10 billion is available for renovations.

Discounts for small business-friendly delivery apps targeting both small business owners and consumers will also be introduced. The government will invest KRW 124 billion to offer a KRW 5,000 discount coupon for orders placed through these co-prosperity delivery apps. If payment is made using local currency or Onnuri gift certificates, up to 2 million discount coupons may be distributed per month. Through these measures, the government aims to ease the monopoly in the delivery app market as well as reduce fee burdens on small business owners.

On the 19th, Hwasun County in Gwangju, Jeonnam Province announced that it has become the first in the nation to establish an integrated smart bus stop shelter in a vacant building, serving as both a bus stop and a heat relief shelter. Yonhap News

200,000 Bottles of Ice Water Provided to Outdoor Workers Facing Heat Waves

To address difficulties in using outdoor sports facilities due to heatwaves, snow, and rain, the government will subsidize the installation of canopies and roofs at tennis, futsal, basketball, and jokgu courts. Next year, a budget of KRW 26.1 billion will be invested to cover 72 such venues. The performance infrastructure at four World Cup stadiums will also be improved, including the installation of grass protection mats, sound equipment, and modular seating, to enable large-scale K-pop concerts with audiences of 40,000 to 50,000 people in local areas. The budget for this project is KRW 11 billion for next year, with the goal of making such large-scale events possible in regions outside the capital starting from 2028.

For gig workers and other vulnerable workers exposed to heatwaves and cold waves, the government will provide warm kits, cool kits, and digital temperature/humidity meters. Especially next year, 200,000 bottles of ice water will be distributed. In addition, five sites – the Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, the Chilbaekui Chong Memorial in Geumsan, the Maninui Chong in Namwon, the Gwangneung Royal Tombs in Namyangju, and the Uireung Royal Tombs in Seoul – will be transformed into “residential” national heritage venues. A budget of KRW 1.5 billion will support the installation of wooden houses, cushioned chairs, and wooden tents, along with the operation of meditation and healing programs, nature walks, and guided tours.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.