Jeon Jae Su Emphasizes the Benefits of Relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan
Plans to Attract Major Shipping Companies and Institutions to Busan
Focus on Leading the Era of the Arctic Route and Creating a New Growth Engine in Southern Korea
Jeon Jae Su, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated that the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) to Busan would have significant benefits, and announced plans to attract not only maritime and fisheries-related institutions but also major shipping companies to Busan.
On July 14, at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, Jeon expressed this position regarding the MOF's relocation to Busan.
He said, "We will swiftly establish a base in preparation for the era of the Arctic route," and emphasized, "As the first step, we will complete the relocation of the MOF to Busan without setbacks, and use this as a catalyst to attract maritime and fisheries-related institutions as well as major shipping companies."
Jeon stated, "If the effectiveness of the MOF being in Sejong is considered 100, I believe that relocating to Busan and properly preparing for and leading the era of the Arctic route could yield results of 1,000 or even 10,000."
He continued, "What I will focus on most is leading the era of the Arctic route. The region stretching from Yeosu, Gwangyang, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam to Pohang falls within the direct and indirect sphere of influence of the Arctic route," and stressed, "If we prepare well for the era of the Arctic route, we can create another metropolitan area in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, overcome the current single-core structure, and add another sustainable growth engine."
Jeon Jae Su, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is responding to questions from lawmakers at the confirmation hearing held at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee on July 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min
He estimated that the direct cost of relocating the MOF would be between 20 billion and 30 billion won. Jeon also noted the need to strengthen the functions of the MOF, stating, "We need to bring the Shipbuilding and Offshore Plant Division, which has 10 officials in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, into the MOF."
Regarding concerns among MOF officials about the relocation to Busan, Jeon said, "Based on previous cases of ministry relocations, we are mobilizing all available government resources to address issues related to living conditions, education, and housing for public officials," and added, "We are also preparing to resolve housing issues through working-level consultations between Busan City and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH)."
He added, "I am aware of considerable concerns that the relocation of the MOF to Busan could make the ministry less attractive to talented individuals," and stated, "We will provide special compensation for those who make special sacrifices."
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