Seoul, Sept 3 (Reuters) – South Korea’s government said on Thursday it will set up a dedicated presidential office in the administrative city of Sejong, with the facility expected to be operational by 2029. The move is part of a broader plan to transfer roughly 350 government institutions currently based in the capital to the newly built city.
The decision was presented as a step toward easing the concentration of public‑sector functions in Seoul, a long‑standing concern for policymakers who argue that the capital’s over‑crowding hampers balanced regional development. By relocating a substantial share of ministries, agencies and public bodies, officials hope to stimulate economic activity and improve public‑service efficiency in the central region of the country.
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Sejong, inaugurated in 2012 as a purpose‑built administrative hub, already hosts several key ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The upcoming presidential office will join these entities, creating a concentrated seat of government away from the traditional power centre. The plan calls for a phased relocation, with priority given to agencies whose functions align closely with the president’s agenda.
While the exact list of the 350 institutions has not been disclosed, the government indicated that the shift will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to public services. Officials also noted that the new presidential complex will be designed to meet modern security and sustainability standards, reflecting South Korea’s push for greener public infrastructure.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates in the National Assembly about the cost and timeline of the relocation. Critics have warned that moving such a large number of bodies could strain local resources in Sejong and create temporary inefficiencies. The administration, however, maintains that the long‑term benefits of a more geographically balanced bureaucracy outweigh short‑term challenges.
