South Korean regions compete for second phase of public institution relocation

Local governments in South Korea are intensifying efforts to secure the second phase of public institution relocations to regional innovation cities.

In Chungbuk, Jincheon County and Eumseong County are collaborating to attract high-quality public institutions. Jincheon is specifically targeting the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, aiming to leverage its proximity to the National Training Center to establish the region as a hub for the sports industry, including data and healthcare sectors. Local residents have also organized voluntary rallies to support these relocation efforts.

In Jeonbuk State, the government is proposing a “voluntary placement” model. This would allow incoming institutions to choose between existing innovation cities or new hubs, such as Iksan. This proposal aims to address the near-saturation of the Jeonbuk Innovation City. Jeonbuk officials are advocating for legislative support to allow for the creation of a second innovation city, citing Iksan’s strengths in rail transport and the national food cluster.