Sejong: President Lee Jae Myung vowed Tuesday to step up efforts for balanced regional development, emphasizing its necessity for sustainable growth and to alleviate congestion in Seoul and its surrounding areas. Lee made these remarks while presiding over his first Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Sejong, roughly 110 kilometers south of Seoul, since assuming office in June.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee stressed the importance of balanced national growth, asserting it as a matter of destiny rather than choice. "The entire nation must equally enjoy opportunities for progress," he stated, highlighting the issues arising from resource concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area and the decline of provincial regions. He pledged to implement tailored strategies to foster strategic industries that will support balanced development.
President Lee pointed out the limitations of capital concentration in the capital region, warning that continuing on the current path could lead to an overflowing capital region and withering provinces, thereby hindering sustainable development for the populace. He committed to speeding up the "five hubs and three special zones" strategy, which aims to establish five regional growth centers, including the Seoul metropolitan area and four other regional hubs, alongside three special autonomous provinces: Gangwon, North Jeolla, and Jeju.
Furthermore, Lee announced plans to establish a presidential office branch in Sejong, alongside the existing Seoul headquarters, describing it as the "cornerstone" of the envisioned administrative capital. He assured that the government will proceed with constructing the Sejong presidential office and the National Assembly building in Sejong without delay.
Later that day, Lee engaged with eight young farmers in Sejong to understand their challenges and promised to enhance support for the agricultural sector. Prior to the meeting, he visited a local peach farm where he participated in pruning work as part of a hands-on fruit farming experience.