Seoul, South Korea – The national government unveiled a sweeping decentralization plan that will see a new presidential office built in the administrative city of Sejong by August 2029. In tandem, about 350 public institutions currently based in the Seoul metropolitan area will be transferred to Sejong, beginning in the first half of 2027.
Why the shift?
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook framed the move as part of a broader strategy to address the concentration of population, capital, businesses, and infrastructure in the capital region. While Seoul continues to grow, other parts of the country face demographic decline, prompting the government to spread economic activity more evenly.
Implementation timeline
The relocation will start in early 2027, with the largest and most impactful agencies moving first. The government also intends to amend the law governing Sejong’s development to allow ministries previously excluded from relocation—such as the Justice Ministry and the Gender Equality Ministry—to move to the new capital.
Key law‑enforcement bodies, including the Prosecution Service and the National Police Agency, will follow once new headquarters are completed. A second round of public‑sector moves follows an earlier wave that saw 43 central agencies shift to Sejong between 2012 and 2021.
Consolidation of agencies
Alongside the relocations, the administration plans to cut or restructure 109 public institutions by merging overlapping functions. Notable consolidations include combining the nation’s five state power generators and four port authorities.
Future infrastructure
Sejong, created in 2012 to relieve Seoul’s congestion, already hosts many ministries. The new presidential office will mark the first time the presidency itself leaves the capital. Additionally, the government aims to complete an extra National Assembly building in Sejong by 2033.
These steps signal a long‑term commitment to balanced regional development, reduced pressure on Seoul’s infrastructure, and a more distributed governmental presence across South Korea.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
