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South Korea Unveils 2026 Budget Focused on AI and Welfare

8/30/2025

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

South Korea's government proposed a 2026 budget of 728 trillion won ($524.2 billion), an 8.1% increase from 2025.
The budget emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) and research and development (R&D), with major funding for technology and defense.
Social welfare spending will increase by 8.2% to tackle demographic issues, with a projected fiscal deficit of 4% of GDP.

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Story summary

South Korea's government proposed a 2026 budget of 728 trillion won ($524.2 billion), an 8.1% increase from 2025.
The budget emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) and research and development (R&D), with major funding for technology and defense.
Social welfare spending will increase by 8.2% to tackle demographic issues, with a projected fiscal deficit of 4% of GDP.