[Initial Perspective] The Dogma Called 'Balanced Development'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Democratic Party of Korea is about to announce a 'Comprehensive Report on Balanced Development' for the construction of the National Assembly Sejong Office Building. As seen in the remarks of Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon last July, the ruling party seems to view the relocation of the National Assembly as the 'completion' of Sejong as the administrative capital. Although considerable controversy is expected due to the lack of a special committee with the opposition party, the Democratic Party has taken the first step. The feelings of a Sejong resident in the 11th month of living here watching the ruling party’s progress toward that completion are becoming complicated.

Sejong is definitely a good place to live. The layout is neat, the roads are clean, and family-friendly facilities such as a large-scale lake park, national and public libraries, and an arboretum are well established, along with state-of-the-art garbage collection facilities and Internet of Things (IoT)-based bicycle rental stations. The buildings, houses, and roads are all newly constructed, making it a city with a truly beautiful face.

However, if someone claims that this place is good for 'settling down' and working, I personally find it hard to agree. The biggest obstacle to settling in Sejong is the housing issue. According to the Korea Real Estate Board, apartment sale prices in Sejong City rose by 39.22% from January to October this year, the highest increase nationwide. The rise in jeonse (long-term deposit lease) prices was also the highest in the country at 41.45% over 10 months. These figures naturally reflect the positive factors and expectations of the 'administrative capital, Sejong relocation.' The government will attempt new supply through special allocations, but it is insufficient compared to demand, and in a situation where housing prices are soaring like now, controversy and burden are inevitable. Moreover, for those who are not public officials, it is a 'star in the sky' that is difficult to reach.

What if one finds a house in the outskirts where prices are somewhat reasonable and commutes by car? However, parking at the government office is not easy. The underground parking lot is designed in such a way that once you enter, it is almost impossible to exit, making it widely regarded as a place 'not to be used.' Therefore, on the surface, a standoff occurs between those who want to double-park and the government office management trying to prevent it.

Then what about public transportation? The issue of mobility convenience in Sejong is an old debate. There is no subway, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system running only along main roads looks and functions almost identically to regular buses, making one wonder why such a long name was given. Moreover, the routes are not dense. Although taxis are an alternative, taking a taxi to destinations other than KTX Osong Station in this city is... simply put, not welcomed.

The reality that establishing Sejong Station is difficult is a tragedy for those who work here. The city tried to promote the construction of KTX Sejong Station in the Balsan-ri area of Geumnam-myeon, about 22 km from both Osong Station and Gongju Station, but the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the responsible department, declared a 'no' policy citing regional conflicts and safety issues. Taxis are always lined up at the main gates of each ministry to carry officials pressed for time, and if the annual taxi expenses for officials traveling between Osong Station and the government office were tallied and disclosed, it would cause a huge stir.

Looking around, innovation cities established nationwide as part of the government's balanced development are suffering from similar problems. A public institution official in Ulsan Innovation City, whom I met last summer, lamented that due to the lack of single-occupancy dormitories, they have to sleep uncomfortably pressed against the wall with another employee. Because transfers to local branches are frequent, spouses and children live in Seoul, and due to tight finances, this was the best solution after much consideration. Even this dormitory provision will soon end. I hope the comprehensive report to be announced soon by the ruling party will provide answers on whether regional balanced development built on the inconveniences and hardships of these residents is truly sustainable.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.