Seoul vs Sejong: The Dilemma of Capital City in South Korea

South Korea is a country grappling with urban expansion and its capital city's role within the nation. In 2006, Sejong City was declared as the new capital city, aiming to alleviate population concentration in Seoul. However, this decision has faced significant challenges and legal hurdles. This article explores the challenges and implications of this decision.

Population Distribution and Urban Overcrowding

With a rapidly growing population, Seoul has been burdened with urban overcrowding, leading to concerns about quality of life and government services. The city, home to over 10 million people, faces issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and deteriorating infrastructure. The Sejong City project was initiated to distribute the population more evenly across the country and to promote regional development.

The Decline in Education Quality

Seoul's educational system, while renowned globally, has shown signs of strain. The decline in quality is attributed to various factors, including increasing class sizes and teacher shortages. Post-pandemic, there has been a further challenge in retaining healthcare professionals, particularly in Gyeonggi-do. This has highlighted the urgency to balance urban development with regional equity.

Challenges in Implementing Sejong City as the Capital

The decision to have Sejong City as the capital was met with resistance, primarily due to legal and practical constraints. The issue lies in the established tradition and customary laws recognizing Seoul as the capital city of South Korea. The Constitutional Court has upheld the status of Seoul as the capital, reinforcing the importance of this tradition.

Customary Laws and Legal Rejections

South Korea has two types of laws: statutory laws and customary laws. Statutory laws are written rules created by the government, while customary laws are unwritten but widely practiced or followed. Statutory laws typically override customary laws, but in this case, customary laws have been upheld by the courts due to the long-standing tradition of Seoul as the capital.

The rejection of the government’s proposal by the Constitutional Court highlights the significance of this issue. For Sejong City to become the official capital, a constitutional amendment would be required, representing a significant and rare step in South Korea’s legislative process.

Current Compromise and Future Prospects

The government has found a middle ground by relocating some of the administrative ministries to Sejong City while keeping the main branches of government in Seoul. This hybrid approach allows for some decentralization without fully shifting the capital. However, it also signifies that the traditional capital, Seoul, remains pivotal.

Public and Political Support

The public and political support for Sejong City becoming the capital is lacking. While the idea of spreading economic development and relieving real estate pressure in Seoul had merit, it does not have the necessary backing to warrant a constitutional amendment. As a result, the primary challenge lies in balancing the historical and cultural significance of Seoul with the need for broader regional development.

Conclusion

The dilemma facing South Korea with regard to its capital city is complex and multifaceted. The decision to make Sejong City the capital, while aiming to address urban overcrowding and promote regional development, has faced numerous legal and practical challenges. For the moment, Seoul retains its position as the primary capital, with Sejong serving more as a satellite city for government functions. This compromise likely represents the most feasible solution given the current political and societal context.