Embassies express concern over foreign ministry's Sejong relocation plan

Foreign embassies in Seoul are closely monitoring the government's plan to relocate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Sejong, a city approximately 110 kilometers south of the capital. While acknowledging the plan, some embassies have expressed concerns over the "inconvenience" the move would cause for diplomatic operations. Out of the 44 ministries and agencies slated for relocation, 27 will transfer in two phases during the first and second halves of next year, while 17 agencies, comprising 6,934 employees, will gradually move by 2031 once new office buildings are constructed.

Notably, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the ministries of Unification and National Defense, is among those 17 agencies. Seoul currently hosts over 110 foreign embassies and international organizations, raising uncertainty among diplomatic missions, especially as no detailed relocation plan has been unveiled. Most embassies seem to be quietly evaluating the situation and may discuss the matter internally with their headquarters.