Kang Junhyeon: "Presidential Sejong Office, the Long-Awaited Dream of Sejong Citizens Finally Becoming Reality"

International Design Competition for National Symbolic Zone Master Plan to Be Announced on September 2
Presidential Sejong Office Project Enters Full-Scale Implementation
Expanded Site and Vision for National Unity Highlighted
Key Step Toward Balanced National Development in Sejong City

Democratic Party lawmakers Jaegwan Lee and Junhyun Kang (right) are applauding. Photo by Office of the Lawmakers

The construction of the presidential office to be established in Sejong City is now officially on track.

The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency announced on the 28th that it will take the first step on September 2 in the creation of a National Symbolic Zone, which will encompass both the Presidential Sejong Office and the National Assembly Sejong Hall. This competition is not just about preparing a design proposal; it is a process to present a future vision symbolizing communication and unity in South Korea. It is expected to be a significant milestone in establishing the status of the National Symbolic Zone.

The push for the Presidential Sejong Office began with the amendment to the "Happy City Act," sponsored by Assemblyman Junhyeon Kang (representing Sejong-eul) in December 2021.

According to Assemblyman Kang's office, the law was amended in June 2022, providing an institutional foundation. In September of the same year, a planning and research project for the construction of the second presidential office was launched. In June 2023, the basic plan was established, and in August, the preliminary feasibility study was waived to expedite the project. In 2024, a total project budget of 384.6 billion won was registered with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In June, an integrated design competition management service, including architectural design, was commissioned, and in August, the National Symbolic Zone Integrated Design Competition Steering Committee was formed. With the announcement of the international competition plan for the National Symbolic Zone in August this year, the construction project for the Presidential Sejong Office has entered a practical implementation phase.

In particular, the Presidential Sejong Office will be developed on a site expanded from the original 150,000 square meters to an additional 100,000 square meters of adjacent reserved land, thereby enhancing functional connectivity and scalability. The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency will conduct a preliminary specification release from August 29 to 31, officially announce the international competition on September 2, and select the winning entry in December of this year, followed by subsequent contracts.

Assemblyman Kang stated, "From the proposal of the amendment in 2021 to today's announcement of the international competition, I have been involved in every step of the Presidential Sejong Office project," adding, "The long-held aspiration of Sejong citizens is finally becoming a reality." He continued, "This international competition is more than just a design procedure; it marks the starting point for elevating the status of Sejong as South Korea's administrative capital and transforming it into a symbolic space for national unity and communication. Together with the construction of the National Assembly Sejong Hall, it will serve as a key driving force for balanced national development."