South Korea to Relocate Central Agencies from Seoul to Sejong Starting 2027
Quick Look
South Korea's Prime Minister Han Seong-sook announced the relocation of central administrative agencies from the Seoul metropolitan area to Sejong beginning in the first half of 2027, with plans to complete a second presidential office by August 2029 and a second National Assembly building by 2030.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Sejong was established as South Korea's administrative capital to promote balanced regional development and reduce over-concentration of government functions in Seoul.
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- The government will move central administrative agencies remaining in the Seoul metropolitan area to the central city of Sejong starting next year, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Thursday.
The government will also aim to complete a second presidential office in the administrative city by August 2029 and make sure the planned construction of a second National Assembly building in Sejong will be completed as planned by 2030, Han said during a press conference.
"Starting in the first half of 2027, we will push for the relocation of central administrative organizations located in the Seoul metropolitan area to the Sejong special self-governing city, beginning with those with large relocation sizes and ripple effects," Han said.
"Sejong is the symbol and central axis of balanced national development," she said. "We will build a Sejong office of the president in August 2029 so as to put the administration's center in Sejong while providing support for the planned completion of the National Assembly hall in Sejong in 2030."
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
Relocation of central administrative organizations from Seoul to Sejong will begin in the first half of 2027.
Very likely ยท Within months
Second presidential office in Sejong will be completed by August 2029.
Likely ยท Within years
Second National Assembly building in Sejong will be completed by 2030.
Likely ยท Within years
Open Questions
- Which specific agencies will be relocated first?
- What is the estimated cost of the relocation and construction projects?
- How will the move affect government operations during the transition period?
