Ruling and Opposition Parties Jointly Propose Sejong Administrative Capital Special Act: "A Centennial Strategic Hub for Korea's Future"

Relocation of the National Assembly and Presidential Office to Be Codified

On December 22, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties joined forces to co-sponsor a special bill aimed at completing the administrative capital in Sejong City. The purpose is to resolve institutional and procedural issues related to relocating the National Assembly, the Presidential Office, and other key bodies through legislation, in order to address metropolitan overpopulation, promote balanced national development, and improve administrative efficiency.

Bok Giwang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Um Taeyoung, a member of the People Power Party, announced that they had jointly and in a bipartisan manner sponsored the "Special Act for the Construction of the Administrative Capital."

Since the establishment of Sejong Special Self-Governing City, many government ministries have relocated there. However, key institutions such as the Presidential Office and the National Assembly remain in Seoul, leading to ongoing criticism regarding administrative inefficiency and limitations in policy coordination.

The special bill stipulates the relocation of major constitutional institutions, including the National Assembly and the Presidential Office, as well as central administrative agencies that are still based in the metropolitan area, to Sejong. Furthermore, it outlines the necessary organizations, procedures, and financial systems required to establish an administrative capital with suitable living conditions.

Notably, the bill also includes provisions for converting the existing Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency into an Administrative Capital Construction Agency, establishing a Presidential Commission for Promotion, and operating a special financial account.

Government Sejong Complex. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Assemblyman Bok stated, "This bill is not merely about building a city, but about establishing a strategic hub for Korea’s future over the next hundred years," emphasizing the purpose of the special act for the administrative capital. "It is time for Korea to move beyond having only Seoul as its capital and become a nation that breathes together."

He added, "Since lawmakers from both parties have come together to sponsor this bill in a bipartisan manner, I hope it will become a symbol of cooperation for the people and future generations, transcending political interests."

Assemblyman Um Taeyoung said, "Completing the administrative capital is essential to overcome the dual crises of regional extinction and metropolitan overpopulation," adding, "I will work to achieve a bipartisan consensus in the National Assembly so that this becomes a turning point for the nation’s sustainability, regardless of political affiliation."