Seoul Proposes 26.6 Billion KRW Budget for Youth Generative AI Access and Education
Seoul's 2027 budget proposal allocates 26.6 billion KRW to provide 500,000 young people with generative AI vouchers and training to close skills gaps.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on October 29, 2026, that it will allocate 26.6 billion KRW (approx. $18.5 million USD) in its 2027 budget proposal for the "Youth AI Growth Pass" project. The initiative aims to provide 500,000 young residents of Seoul with vouchers for generative artificial intelligence services and customized, level-based education.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated that the measure is designed to prevent disparities in employment and income caused by unequal access to AI tools and training costs. This marks one of the first major policies introduced since the start of his ninth-term administration.
Notably, the pilot budget for this project was fully cut during the supplementary budget review by the Seoul City Council in September. The city claims that surveys targeting youth and experts confirmed the necessity of the program, leading to its inclusion in the new fiscal year's main budget. The proposal now awaits deliberation by the City Council, where the opposition Democratic Party holds a majority, leaving its final approval uncertain.