Seoul: The Seoul city government has announced an annual budget of 48.41 trillion won (US$35.12 billion) for the year 2025. This marks a 5 percent increase from the previous year. The budget emphasizes measures to tackle the city's low birth rate and improve policies aimed at safeguarding citizens' health and safety. According to Yonhap News Agency, the 2025 budget plan will be submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Council for approval shortly. The plan highlights seven key sectors, with a strong emphasis on people's health and safety, including initiatives to address the declining birth rate. Additional priorities include bolstering the city's economy, enhancing caregiving services, and attracting more international visitors. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "With the influence of climate change and complex social changes, it is the Seoul mayor's cardinal responsibility to secure the citizens' health and safety." To tackle the low birth rate and promote family g rowth, the city has set aside 1.11 trillion won to provide 4,000 public rental homes for newlyweds and 2,504 units for young tenants. The budget plan also includes a unique program to promote physical activity among residents. This includes organizing inner-city jogging events during weekday evenings and establishing 10 new "runner stations" throughout the city. These initiatives aim to encourage healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of life for Seoul's citizens.