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Business & Economy

South Korea Unveils Record Budget Backed by AI Chip Boom

WireByte Staff · July 13, 2026

South Korea plans to spend a record $530.97 billion in fiscal 2027, financed by stronger tax revenues from the booming AI chip industry. The budget will prioritize three 'mega-projects' covering chips, AI data centers, and physical AI. The government aims to secure funding through a major restructuring of existing programs and expenditure cuts. The move has sparked debate, with critics warning of resistance to cuts to underperforming programs.

Key points

  • South Korea's budget for fiscal 2027 will reach a record 800 trillion won ($530.97 billion), supported by tax revenues from the AI chip industry.
  • The budget will prioritize three 'mega-projects' covering chips, AI data centers, and physical AI.
  • The government plans to secure funding through a major restructuring of existing programs and expenditure cuts.
  • About 50 trillion won of spending will be targeted for cuts through a review of discretionary and mandatory expenditures.

South Korea's government has unveiled a record budget for fiscal 2027, backed by the country's booming AI chip industry. The budget, which will reach a record 800 trillion won ($530.97 billion), is expected to be financed by stronger tax revenues from the industry.

The budget will prioritize three 'mega-projects' covering chips, AI data centers, and physical AI. These projects are expected to drive innovation and growth in the country's tech sector.

The government plans to secure funding through a major restructuring of existing programs and expenditure cuts. About 50 trillion won of spending will be targeted for cuts through a review of discretionary and mandatory expenditures.

The move has sparked debate, with critics warning of resistance to cuts to underperforming programs. The government will need to navigate this challenge in order to implement its plans successfully.

The impact of this budget on South Korea's economy and tech sector will be closely watched in the coming months. The country's ability to drive innovation and growth through its tech industry will be crucial to its long-term economic success.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.