# Ulsan municipal initiatives and fiscal challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ulsan-metropolitan-city-municipal-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-23T11:10:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Ulsan Metropolitan City has introduced several administrative and economic initiatives focused on infrastructure, revenue generation, and fiscal management.

In mid-August, the city announced a 1 billion won traffic accident prevention project to improve seven high-risk locations, such as Boksan Yukgeori and Dongcheon Bridge, through lane readjustments and new pedestrian safety measures. Simultaneously, the city launched the 2026 Job Creation Strong Company support program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ten selected companies will receive 20 million won each to improve working environments, alongside benefits like preferential interest rates and tax audit deferrals.

To generate non-tax revenue, the city initiated a bidding process for the naming rights of 129 bus stops in commercial areas, scheduled for September 14 to 16. This co-branding project allows companies to display names on signage and bus announcements for three years, with proceeds intended for the maintenance of bus stop facilities. This initiative follows a successful history of the program, which has generated 615 million won since 2021.

However, the city is facing significant fiscal challenges, with reports indicating a total revenue shortage of 423.9 billion KRW across its four autonomous districts. Local council member Lee Jang-geol has called for increasing the adjustment grant rate from 20% to at least 23% to ensure stable administrative operations. Additionally, the city announced a phased expansion of financial support for the city bus industry to address financial deficits and resolve approximately 81.3 billion KRW in unpaid severance pay, aiming to reach a 100% deficit support rate by 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Ulsan addresses municipal budget shortages and industry support

Ulsan officials and council members are addressing regional fiscal shortages, with calls to increase municipal grant rates to support autonomous districts and new plans to stabilize the city bus industry.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ulsan-addresses-municipal-budget-shortages-and-industry-support

### 2026-08-18: Ulsan to sell naming rights for 129 bus stops

Ulsan Metropolitan City is seeking bidders for naming rights at 129 bus stops for 2026, offering companies three-year advertising rights to generate revenue for facility improvements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ulsan-to-sell-naming-rights-for-129-bus-stops

### 2026-08-11: Ulsan announces traffic safety projects and SME support initiatives

Ulsan Metropolitan City is launching a 1 billion won traffic safety improvement project and a support program for SMEs to foster job creation and better working environments.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ulsan-announces-traffic-safety-projects-and-sme-support-initiatives

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Cite as: Ulsan municipal initiatives and fiscal challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ulsan-metropolitan-city-municipal-initiatives