Gender ministry seeks over 2 tln won in 2027 budget

SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- The gender equality ministry has requested a budget exceeding 2 trillion won for 2027, with a proposal to provide each newlywed couple with 1 million won in financial assistance. This represents a 5.5% increase from the current year's budget of 2.1 trillion won. The ministry aims to replace the existing marriage tax credit program, which provided up to 1 million won per couple, as the latter is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026.

A significant portion of the budget, 166.3 billion won, is designated for the cash support program targeted at couples getting married in the upcoming year. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to address South Korea's persistently low birthrate by encouraging marriages. In 2025, the number of marriages reached 240,300, marking the highest figure in seven years.

The gender equality ministry plans to allocate 1.5 trillion won for family projects in 2027, marking a 7.5% increase compared to the current year. Of this amount, 53 billion won will be directed towards gender-related initiatives, reflecting a substantial 32.9% rise from this year. Additionally, the ministry intends to expand a pilot program that provides free sanitary pads at public facilities to a nationwide program starting next year.