South Korea 2027 Budget Expands Community Care, Adds 30 New Centers

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the 2027 national budget was approved at the cabinet meeting on the 1st. Total expenditure rises to 148.7697 trillion won, an 8.2% increase over the 2026 budget of 137.4949 trillion won. Including the newly created Future Response Fund items such as the child basic allowance and child‑matching support fund, the budget reaches 152.4328 trillion won, a 10.9% rise. The budget expands the target of community integrated care from seniors to also include people with disabilities. To address care infrastructure gaps in depopulated areas, 30 new public vulnerable‑area care centers will be opened, offering day‑night and short‑term protection as well as home‑visit services. These measures aim to solidify on‑site community integrated care and strengthen universal care support across the country.