S. Korea to relocate administrative bodies out of Greater Seoul starting 2027

South Korea plans to move many government ministries and state-run organizations out of the Greater Seoul area as part of President Lee Jae Myung’s plan for balanced national growth. Most of the 350 state-run organizations in the Greater Seoul area are expected to move starting next year. The government also plans to build a new presidential office in Sejong by 2029 and a parliament building by 2033.

The relocation will begin with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which are expected to start moving to Sejong in the first half of 2027. Other ministries, including the National Defense and Foreign Affairs ministries, may move later. The government also plans to move the headquarters of the national police and prosecution after new buildings are completed.

Along with the relocation, the government plans to merge some state-backed institutions and reduce their number by 109. Several electricity, energy, and port organizations will be combined, while the Korea Coal Corp. will be dissolved. The government hopes that moving institutions will strengthen regional cities, attract businesses, and reduce the concentration of government and economic activity in the Seoul area.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10861511

Comprehension

Why does the South Korean government plan to relocate many state-run organizations?
Which two ministries will begin the relocation to Sejong in the first half of 2027?
When is the new presidential office in Sejong expected to be completed?
What will happen to the number of state-backed institutions under the new plan?
Which state-run company will be dissolved as part of the restructuring?

Discussion

What are the advantages of moving government offices away from a capital city?
What problems could the relocation of government institutions cause for employees and their families?
Do you think moving government offices can help smaller cities develop? Why or why not?
Would you prefer to live and work in a capital city or a smaller regional city? Why?
How could relocating government offices affect housing prices in Seoul and other cities?
Do you think government employees should receive special housing benefits when they relocate? Why or why not?
What are some problems caused by having too many businesses and institutions concentrated in one city?
Should countries try to develop all regions equally, or should they focus on their strongest cities?
If your government moved some major institutions to another city, how might it affect your community?
What could governments do to encourage businesses to move to regional areas?

Vocabulary

State-run — controlled or operated by the government.
Balanced growth — development that is spread fairly across different regions.
De facto — existing in practice, even if it is not officially recognized.
Administrative — related to managing government or organizations.
Merger — the combination of two or more organizations into one.
Dissolve — to officially end an organization or institution.