South Korea to shift 44 central agencies to Sejong by 2031

South Korea will transfer 44 central government agencies and related organizations from the Seoul metropolitan region to Sejong, with the process slated to finish by 2031. Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung outlined a two-track schedule: 27 agencies that can operate from temporary premises will move in stages beginning next year, while 17 agencies requiring specialized facilities will wait for new buildings. The relocation will involve 9,929 civil servants, of whom 6,934 belong to the larger agencies slated for later moves.

Six commissions are set to relocate in the first half of 2027, followed by 19 more later that year, and the remaining ministries—including foreign, unification and defense—will shift after legislative changes. The government projects about 89.7 billion won for leasing, fit-out and relocation assistance, and around 3.1 trillion won for constructing new complexes, with 28.6 billion won earmarked for preliminary design work. Support measures for transferred staff will cover moving expenses and temporary transportation assistance.