South Korea plans to move 44 government bodies to Sejong by 2031
In short
South Korea plans to relocate 44 central administrative bodies from the capital region to Sejong between 2027 and 2031. The plan covers 9,929 civil-service positions, with 27 bodies moving first into rented offices in 2027.
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South Korea plans to relocate 44 central administrative bodies from the capital region to Sejong between 2027 and 2031. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the detailed plan on October 13. It covers 9,929 civil-service positions and divides the move into two stages according to institutions' functions and office requirements. [ 8 , 11 ]
In 2027, 27 bodies with 2,995 positions are to use privately rented premises in Sejong. Six bodies, including the Personal Information Protection Commission and National Human Rights Commission, are to move in the first half of the year. Another 19, including the Financial Services Commission, are scheduled for the second half. The timing for the justice and gender equality ministries will depend on changes to the law. [ 8 ]
The remaining 17 bodies, with 6,934 positions, are to move by 2031 after offices suited to their investigative, security and control functions are built. These include the foreign affairs, unification and defense ministries, as well as the police and other institutions. Five ministries are currently legally excluded from relocation, so the government plans discussions with parliament to amend those provisions. [ 8 ]
The ministry estimated about 89.7 billion won for rented offices and relocation support in 2027, and about 3.1 trillion won for new office construction. It plans to include about 28.6 billion won for basic design in the 2027 budget. The government will provide moving and initial settlement support and is considering temporary transport assistance for staff unable to relocate immediately. [ 8 ]
Sejong officials welcomed the plan and promised preparations for offices and housing. Newsis also reported concerns among staff at the privacy and broadcasting regulators about personnel leaving and the demands of working away from regulated organizations concentrated in the capital region. The government says the relocation is intended to strengthen administration centered on Sejong. [ 8 , 16 , 31 ]
Why it matters
The government says the move will strengthen administration centered on Sejong and reduce concentration in the capital region. Five ministries currently excluded from relocation require legislative changes before they can move.
Key facts
- The relocation plan covers 44 bodies and 9,929 civil-service positions. [ 1 , 8 , 11 ]
- 27 bodies with 2,995 positions are to move into rented premises in 2027. [ 1 , 8 , 18 ]
- 17 bodies with 6,934 positions are to move after new offices are built, by 2031. [ 1 , 8 , 18 ]
- New government office construction is estimated to cost about 3.1 trillion won. [ 1 , 8 , 22 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- 44 administrative bodies are scheduled to move to Sejong between 2027 and 2031. [ 8 , 18 , 22 ]
- 27 bodies are to use rented premises in 2027 and 17 are to move after construction by 2031. [ 1 , 8 , 18 ]
- The foreign affairs, unification, defense, justice and gender equality ministries need legislative changes to permit relocation. [ 1 , 8 ]
Still unclear
- The final construction cost. Kukmin Ilbo said the total could change depending on locations, facility sizes, land acquisition and design.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- On October 13, Yonhap reported the government's detailed relocation plan. [ 8 ]