Debate heats up over relocating National Assembly to Sejong

An aerial view of the Sejong Government Complex / Korea Times file

By Jung Da-hyun

• Published Apr 2, 2024 8:47 AM KST
• Updated Apr 3, 2024 8:46 AM KST

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) introduced a pledge to relocate the National Assembly to Sejong, but experts noted that while the proposal holds theoretical advantages, it is important to consider practical limitations before implementation.

Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of the PPP, unveiled the proposal on March 27, advocating for the relocation of the Assembly from Yeouido in Seoul south to the administrative capital.

He said the relocation would solidify Sejong’s status as an administrative hub as it houses a multitude of ministries and public agencies. Han also envisioned repurposing the existing National Assembly space in Yeouido as a cultural and financial center for the benefit of citizens.

During a press conference, Han said that this complete relocation would establish Sejong as a true political capital akin to Washington, D.C., in the United States.

He also emphasized the three key benefits of the relocation plan — addressing administrative inefficiencies, fostering balanced national development and bolstering the local economy.

Currently, development in the western part of Yeouido, near the Assembly, is restricted due to restrictions on height.

Han proposed reforming the development regulations in Yeouido and actively promoting its transformation into a financial and cultural hub.

He also emphasized that relocating the Assembly to Sejong would serve as a catalyst for the new development of Seoul, outlining plans to streamline regulations not only in Yeouido but also in adjacent areas such as Mapo, Yeongdeungpo, Dongjak, Yangcheon and Yongsan districts.

However, experts have expressed mixed reactions to the proposed relocation.

Lee Chang-moo, a professor at the Department of Urban Planning and Engineering at Hanyang University, expressed optimism about the idea. He noted Sejong's significance as a place previously considered as the capital.

“The social cost of administrative politics and exchanges is currently enormous,” Lee said. “It's inefficient because public officials based in Sejong have to make frequent trips to the National Assembly in Seoul,” he added.

Lee also said that the social benefits of relocation could outweigh the costs.

“Given that the National Assembly is a low-density development project from the past, it holds potential for generating development benefits based on how the site is utilized,” he said.

Lee envisions the possibility of Yeouido expanding its role as a financial center, which could yield positive outcomes for the area.

“It appears promising that each city's distinct characteristics can be cultivated, with Seoul shining as an economic powerhouse and Sejong solidifying its role as a political and administrative hub,” he said.

Jang Jae-min, the representative director of the Korea Institute for Urban Policy, suggests that although the idea has theoretical merit, more caution is necessary before reaching a decision.

“Citizens will likely respond positively to the plan, as it appeals to their interests, aiming to transform Yeouido into a financial hub and improve public amenities such as parks and cultural facilities,” he said.

He also mentioned the potential for reducing administrative expenses, particularly transportation costs, as officials in Sejong frequently commute from Seoul via the KTX high-speed rail system.

“Given the dispersed nature of lawmakers across the country, it's geographically advantageous for Sejong to accommodate gatherings rather than Seoul,” he said.

But Jang was skeptical about the prospect of achieving balanced development even if Sejong became the administrative capital, despite the relocation plan being theoretically sound.

“When public enterprises like Korea Land & Housing Corp. (LH) venture into areas outside of Seoul, typically only one building stands, with the surrounding areas remaining underdeveloped,” he said.

Jang suggests that cities follow a specific development sequence. Initially, the focus should be on residential areas, followed by establishing essential amenities such as restaurants as well as educational and commercial districts.

“Only after this foundational infrastructure is in place should the administrative capital, which defines the region's characteristics, be established,” he said.

Choi Eun-young, executive director of the Korea Center for City and Environment Research, said discussions about relocating the National Assembly are premature and lack adequate preparation.

She emphasized that simply relocating the National Assembly would yield limited effects. To fully realize the benefits of addressing administrative inefficiencies, she asserted that the presidential office must also undergo relocation.

“In an ideal scenario, the discussion on dispersing the administrative and economic functions of the city should only commence after relocating administrative agencies including the presidential office,” she said.

Choi also highlighted a contradiction within the pledge to establish a development plan in Seoul, while Han mentioned the concept of balanced national development.

“The majority of pledges revolve around discussions in the Seoul and metropolitan areas including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, ahead of the general elections, such as plans for high-speed trains like the GTX and burying railways underground in major cities,” she said.

She pointed out the lack of a subway system in Ulsan, despite its metropolitan status, and noted a similar situation in Sejong, which aspires to become an administrative city.

“If we are committed to achieving balanced regional development, it's essential to prioritize infrastructure expansion in these areas,” she said.