An aerial view of Sejong Government Complex / Korea Times file

As President Yoon Suk Yeol's ongoing impeachment trial raises the possibility of an early presidential election, the debate has reignited over relocating the presidential office and residence to Sejong. This has sparked discussions on whether the city can fully realize its original purpose of becoming Korea's administrative capital.

Unlike previous debates, the proposal to relocate the presidential office and the National Assembly to Sejong is becoming increasingly persuasive, given the current political climate.

Calls are growing stronger for Sejong's official recognition as Korea's administrative capital with the relocation of the presidential office following the unprecedented arrest of the sitting president. The Sejong City Act contains only the regulations necessary for the city's establishment but does not grant it the status of the country's administrative capital.

Sejong has emerged as a viable alternative to the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, and the current office, both in central Seoul.

The idea of relocating the presidential office back to Cheong Wa Dae raises concerns for some, given its transformation into a cultural and historical site fully open to the public. At the same time, public distrust toward the Yongsan office remains strong, especially after Yoon's martial law imposition on Dec. 3.

As debates resurface on the impracticality of returning to Cheong Wa Dae and the inefficacy of the current Yongsan office, civic organizations say that an early presidential election would be the perfect opportunity for Sejong to fulfill its original vision as an administrative capital, a vision conceived in the early 2000s, with the relocation of the presidential office to the city.

Coinciding with these debates, construction of a second presidential office in Sejong is already underway, with completion slated for 2027. This project was a key part of Yoon's pledges. The National Agency for Administrative City Construction, which oversees construction projects in Sejong, confirmed the plan in its annual report on Jan. 21.

The second office will include workspaces for the president, security facilities and offices for Cabinet staff. The design also allows for a complete relocation in the future, if necessary. The agency announced it is working with the National Assembly to expedite the construction of the Assembly's Sejong branch.

According to the agency's plan, both the second presidential office and the Sejong National Assembly building will be built as part of a district within Sejong that will serve as an area akin to the National Mall in the United States, a park in downtown Washington surrounded by a number of cultural and historic landmarks.

The current presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul / Yonhap

Jang Jae-min, representative director of the Korea Institute for Urban Policy, attributes the growing public distrust in the Yongsan office to the impeachment trial, underscoring the need for an alternative location for the presidential office.

"From the beginning, the Yongsan office faced criticism for its hasty relocation, and security concerns have since emerged," he said. "It is unlikely that the next administration will choose to keep the office in Yongsan."

While noting that reverting to Cheong Wa Dae could be an option, Jang said that it has now become a cultural and artistic space open to the public, making its reinstatement as the presidential office a complex issue. He also highlighted potential costs associated with restoring its former functions.

"The decision ultimately depends on the next president," Jang said.

With the Sejong presidential office already in development, Jang sees its transformation into the primary presidential office as a compelling solution.

"The timing and costs make it the most feasible option, and given Korea's focus on balanced regional development and decentralization, Sejong holds strategic advantages," he said.

Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho advocates for Sejong's status as the administrative capital during a meeting with acting President Choi Sang-mok at Seoul Government Complex, Jan. 17. Courtesy of Sejong City Government

Sejong's push to relocate presidential office gains momentum

Sejong City Government is also actively pushing to turn the second presidential office into the primary one, marking the beginning of what it calls the "Sejong era" for the presidential office.

Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho met with acting President Choi Sang-mok at Seoul Government Complex on Jan. 17, urging him to support the relocation of the presidential office and advocate for a constitutional amendment to formalize Sejong's status as the administrative capital.

"Given the country's dire circumstances, local governments must work closely with the central government to restore the economy," the mayor said in the meeting with the acting president.

"With discussions on the full relocation of the National Assembly gaining momentum, I hope the government will also begin preparations for moving the presidential office to Sejong."

He emphasized that to resolve the country's ongoing political instability, constitutional amendments must be considered, including designating Sejong as Korea's administrative capital.

Regarding the city's proposal, Jang said that relocating both the presidential office and the National Assembly would enhance Sejong's infrastructure compared to its current state, where only government ministries have been moved.

"Lawmakers wield influence and prioritize the development of their constituencies. If this plan materializes, lawmakers representing Sejong will likely become some of the most influential figures in the country," Jang said.

He also pointed out that if the National Assembly relocates, other government institutions still based in Seoul may follow, strengthening Sejong's role as an administrative hub.

Constitutional, practical challenges remain

Despite growing advocacy, some remain skeptical about Sejong becoming the administrative capital.

Lee Chang-moo, a professor of urban planning and engineering at Hanyang University, says that converting the Sejong office into the primary presidential office is unrealistic.

"The relocation of the presidential office is inherently linked to the issue of capital relocation. It's not just about choosing a new office location," Lee said. "It could reignite the debate over moving the capital itself."

He also raised concerns about the feasibility of sustaining the relocation amid potential legal challenges.

In 2004, the Constitutional Court ruled that the New Capital City Founding Act, passed under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, violates the Constitution. The court cited an implicit "customary constitutional principle" that designates Seoul as the capital.

Lee suggested that while using the second presidential office for key functions could circumvent legal issues, relocating the main presidential office permanently to Sejong could trigger renewed constitutional debates.

"To avoid the capital relocation issue, the first presidential office would likely remain in Seoul," he said. "Even if the Sejong office is utilized temporarily, future administrations could always choose to return to Seoul."