The government has decided to relocate 44 central administrative agencies from the metropolitan area to Sejong City, prompting widespread enthusiasm in the local community.
On October 13, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced plans for the phased relocation of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of National Defense, and other agencies currently based in the metropolitan area. The move will take place from 2027 to 2031. Sejong City immediately expressed its heartfelt welcome, stating, "We sincerely welcome this decision along with the 400,000 citizens of Sejong City."
Sejong Mayor Jo Sang-ho held an emergency press conference shortly after the announcement, stating, "We sincerely welcome the government's decision to specify the agencies and timeline for relocation, along with the 400,000 citizens of Sejong City. This decision is not merely about moving a few agencies; it is a significant step toward realizing the 'economic capital of Seoul, administrative capital of Sejong' era, as the President mentioned."
He added, "The effects of this relocation will enhance the efficiency of national governance and alleviate the concentration in the metropolitan area, leading to balanced national growth."
Sejong City plans to fully support the implementation of the government's policy. A new department, tentatively named the 'Administrative Capital Support Division,' will be established to oversee the settlement of relocated agencies and their employees. A dedicated task force, led by the Deputy Mayor, will be formed to secure office space, provide housing support, and improve living conditions.
Mayor Jo noted, "We have identified office spaces capable of accommodating approximately 2,600 people and shared this information with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. We will guide agencies on the size and characteristics of spaces suitable for their needs and will expedite procedures for any necessary changes in land use or district plans."
Local political and educational leaders also expressed their support.
Sejong Superintendent Kang Mi-ae welcomed the additional relocation of central administrative agencies via her social media, stating, "We will support students relocating to Sejong to grow at their own pace and find their paths based on their unique characteristics."
The Democratic Party's Sejong City chapter also issued a statement, calling it a groundbreaking and historic opportunity to fully realize the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's philosophy of balanced development and to complete Sejong City as the administrative capital.
Meanwhile, key agencies included in the relocation have begun internal preparations. Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-won announced the formation of an internal task force to address the commission's relocation to Sejong and to gather employee concerns and requests for consideration in discussions with relevant departments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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