South Korea accelerates bid to put govt bodies outside of Seoul

Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, now faces pressure to share the nation's power and prosperity. The government unveiled a plan on Thursday to establish a second presidential office and legislative complex in Sejong, a city strategically positioned 120km south of Seoul. This move is part of a broader effort to decentralize government institutions and promote balanced development throughout the country.

The initiative follows a decade-long trend of relocating state bodies from Seoul. So far, 44 central government agencies, including the finance and health ministries, have moved to Sejong. Officials anticipate that by 2026, 350 public institutions currently based in the Seoul metropolitan area will have finalized their relocation plans.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook emphasized that balanced growth is no longer a choice but a survival strategy for South Korea. The government aims to complete the second presidential office in Sejong by August 2029 and the second National Assembly building by 2033. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung added that the foreign and unification ministries could also be relocated once the presidential office and National Assembly complex are completed.

The announcement comes amid concerns over population decline and aging in many regions of South Korea. As of 2024, 57% of the country's 228 cities, counties, and districts were classified as at risk of disappearing due to shrinking populations. The Seoul capital region, which accounts for just 12% of South Korea's land, generates 53% of the nation's GDP and receives over 65% of the country's research and development investment.

Critics argue that the extreme imbalance in development remains the root cause of South Korea's challenges. President Lee Jae Myung highlighted this issue during a recent meeting, stressing that addressing the regional disparities is crucial for the nation's long-term sustainability.