Ministry takes steps for relocating to Busan as per orders from Lee.
Busan citizens cheer as President Lee Jae-myung vows to relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to their city during a campaign speech on May 14th. [NEWS1]
With ambitions of bolstering Busan's status as a maritime hub, this shift is seen as a significant move towards regional balance and development. Lee envisions a bustling "marine power capital" for Busan, with the relocation serving as a stepping stone towards this vision. [1][2][4][5]
Ready to kickstart the process, Lee issued the directive for the relocation at a Cabinet meeting on June 5th, 2025. [1][2][4]
The ministry's goal is to transform Busan into more than just Korea's major port; they're aiming for East Asia's maritime brain. This transformation includes the relocation of the national shipping line HMM's headquarters to Busan, as well as leveraging opportunities presented by Arctic shipping routes and linking vital infrastructure such as Gadeokdo New Airport and Busan Port. [3][5]
Legal considerations are being considered, as the ministry is confident that the move won't violate the "Special Act for the Construction of an Administrative-Central Complex City" (Happiness City Act), though the ministry will seek authoritative legal interpretation from the Administrative Complex City Construction Agency to be sure. [2][4]
Expectations of budget constrictions are on the horizon, as the current year's budget falls short of funds for the transfer. The ministry may resort to using reserve funds or seeking a supplementary budget to cover the expense, estimated to cost several tens of billions of won. [2][4]
Office space is a priority, as the preferred site near the Busan International Financial Center (BIFC) may not be available in time. Private buildings may be leased as a temporary solution. [2][4]
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has formed a promotion team to manage the relocation process and consult with related ministries. They are actively studying other ministries' relocation cases to prepare a task force for the move. [2][4]
Employee concerns surround the logistics of moving residences and children's education, as a survey by the ministry's trade union revealed that 86.1% of the headquarters staff are opposed to the relocation. [4]
With a timeline aiming for completion by next year's local elections, the transition is underway. [2]
- The government's decision to move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan is seen as a strategic move in the realm of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news, as it aims to establish Busan as a maritime hub, bolstering the city's status and regional development.
- In the business sector, the relocation of the ministry could potentially attract and incentivize other maritime-related industries, such as the national shipping line HMM, to establish their headquarters in Busan, transforming it into East Asia's maritime brain.
- The defense industry could also be affected by this move, as the new location might open opportunities to explore the potential of Arctic shipping routes, impacting the country's overall defense and security policy.
- Education could confront challenges due to employee concerns regarding the logistics of moving residences and children's education, requiring attention and accommodation from the ministry to ensure a smooth transition for the headquarters staff.
