Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 2027 Sports Budget Set at 1.8333 Trillion Won → Major Expansion of Renovations for Aging Facilities and AI Officiating Support "Support for National Team Training Included"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 4th that it has set the 2027 sports sector budget at 1.8333 trillion won, an increase of 7.9% (134.6 billion won) from this year's final budget of 1.6987 trillion won.

Through a press release, the Ministry explained that it has increased investments across both amateur and professional sports by focusing on two main pillars: "Creating a safe sports environment for all citizens to enjoy in their daily lives" and "Strengthening competitiveness and fairness in professional sports."

According to the Ministry, to expand the foundation of amateur sports, the budget for renovating aging public sports facilities has been significantly increased to 255.8 billion won, up by 160.5 billion won from last year's 95.3 billion won. The national subsidy rate for emergency safety repairs has been raised from 50% to 70%, reducing the fiscal burden on local governments.

A new budget of 490 million won has also been allocated for a feasibility study on constructing "sports and performance complex domes," which can host year-round competitions and large-scale performances.

Barriers to sports activities for vulnerable groups and future generations will be lowered. The budget for supporting sports course vouchers has increased by 25.3 billion won, from 112.2 billion won to 137.5 billion won, with new eligibility categories including multi-child families, North Korean defectors, and residents of areas experiencing population decline. The number of disabled individuals eligible for vouchers will also be expanded from 26,000 to 32,000.

Support for youth sports activities has been significantly increased from 5.5 billion won to 42.4 billion won (+36.9 billion won), expanding the number of supported program categories from 10 to 36. Additionally, "toddler-friendly sports classrooms" (newly allocated 20 thousand won) will be operated for young children in areas facing population decline. The operating budget for the Amateur Sports Division League has been increased from 27.4 billion won to 47 billion won.

In the professional sports sector, support for national team training has increased by 9.9 billion won, from 68.9 billion won to 78.8 billion won. The number of days spent on overseas training will be expanded from 50 to 70 days. An AI-based power analysis system and computerized tomography (CT) equipment for managing athlete injuries will be introduced. New ski and snowboard air mat training facilities will be established at Jincheon Athlete Village. Support for national team training for athletes with disabilities has been increased by 5.1 billion won, from 18.2 billion won to 23.3 billion won.

To create a fair sports environment, a new project worth 5 billion won titled "Support for AI-Utilized Officiating Equipment" has been launched. The number of permanent referees will be significantly increased from 137 to 586 to reduce the influence of specific organizations.

In addition, a total of 36.3 billion won will be provided to ensure the successful hosting of the "2027 Chungcheong Summer Universiade" in the Chungcheong region in 2027, including 3.6 billion won for new construction and renovation of facilities and 32.7 billion won for event operations.

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*This content was translated by AI.