The Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-Myung was sworn into office as president of South Korea on June 4, 2025. On the campaign trail, Lee expressed his desire to move the country’s capital from Seoul to Sejong. Lee plans to implement various changes with the goal of decentralizing government affairs in Seoul and expanding the political realm and urban development throughout South Korea: according to Al Jazeera, Lee said that he will “make Sejong the de facto administrative capital and Daejeon a global science capital.” He further noted his plans to “push for the complete relocation of the National Assembly and presidential office to Sejong through social consensus.” 

The concept of moving South Korea’s capital is not new. For many years, there have been ongoing debates about whether Seoul can keep up with the increasing levels of urbanization. This notion can be traced back to 2003 when former president Roh Moo-hyun argued that moving the capital of South Korea could both reduce overpopulation in Seoul and give the central part of the country a chance to develop further. While these plans were not fully implemented, critical parts of the government and federal agencies have moved to Sejong over the years. 

While it is clear that Lee plans to make Sejong the political capital of South Korea, many residents have mixed emotions. Al Jazeera has conducted interviews with several citizens on their thoughts; one Sejong resident named Lee Ho-Baek argued, “There just is not enough infrastructure or things to do in the city [Sejong] for us.” A research fellow at the Korea Development Institute named Moon Yoon-sang told Al Jazeera, “If the center of the government moves to Sejong, it is the hope that conventions and important meetings will happen there instead of in Seoul.” He continued, “Today, there are only two major hotels in the city, but people expect a monumental effect with the moving of the National Assembly.” However, “Many people will not think about moving to Sejong. In an age where married couples are expected to work, it is tough for both to find jobs outside of Seoul,” according to Moon.

Lee Jae-Myung’s goal of making Sejong the new capital of South Korea is certainly ambitious. This goal, in turn, has left many young residents feeling hesitant about embracing the city as a future center. As mentioned by various sources, many feel that Sejong is unprepared to embrace such a high influx of people, noting key issues such as limited infrastructure and a lack of opportunities. If Lee Jae-Myung truly wants to create a bustling center in Sejong, the government must invest in infrastructure, livability, employment opportunities, as well as a higher standard of living. A significant decision such as making Sejong the political center of South Korea cannot happen by merely moving political organizations. It must be a comprehensive effort that suits those involved in politics as well as the general public, who are the backbone of society. 

While Lee Jae-Myung is clearly adamant about turning Sejong into the new city center of South Korea, many citizens remain apprehensive about the new mission. If Sejong is to become a prominent city, there must be improvements to social and economic life in Sejong. Until these changes are made, Sejong’s future remains uncertain.