South Korea accelerates bid to put government bodies outside of Seoul

South Korea announced plans on Thursday (Sep 3) to put a second presidential office and legislative complex in the administrative city of Sejong, as it accelerates efforts to move hundreds of institutions out of Seoul in a bid to lessen the capital's dominance.



The nation has long struggled with a widening divide between regions, with about half its 51 million people concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area for jobs and education opportunities.



The plan, which also includes relocating the gender equality ministry and prosecution service, is the latest in a decade-long push to move state bodies out of Seoul and promote balanced development.



Relocations began in 2012, when the prime minister's office moved to Sejong, about 120km south of Seoul.



Since then, 44 central government bodies - including the finance and health ministries - have already relocated to the city.



Officials said 350 public institutions based in the Seoul metropolitan area will have their relocation plans finalised in 2026.