South Korean regions push for strategic public institution relocation

Regional leaders and civic groups in South Korea are intensifying efforts to secure the relocation of public institutions as part of the government’s second phase of decentralization.

In Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, officials and lawmakers held a strategy meeting to advocate for the region's suitability for relocation. They highlighted local strengths in AI, robotics, mobility, and healthcare, as well as infrastructure like the TK New Airport. Participants issued a resolution urging the government to establish clear, fair, and rapid roadmaps for relocation to prevent regional alienation.

Meanwhile, civic groups in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region are calling for cooperation rather than competition. They argue that competing for the same institutions could dilute the region's collective strength. Instead, they propose forming a joint consultative body to build a mega-regional economic zone by linking Busan’s maritime and finance sectors, Ulsan’s energy and automotive industries, and Gyeongsangnam-do’s aerospace and defense sectors.