"10 Cities and Counties in Northern Gyeonggi Separate from Gyeonggi Province"... Jeong Se-gyun Proposes 'Establishment of Gyeonggibuk-do'

"Full-Scale Discussion in the National Assembly... Achievable if Supported by Residents"
Democratic Party's Lee Nak-yeon and Chung Sye-kyun Support 'Division' · Lee Jae-myung Opposes 'Division'

Democratic Party presidential primary candidate Jeong Seyeon held a press conference at the Peace Plaza in front of the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Government Building on the 16th, speaking about the establishment of Gyeonggi Bukdo. [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Jeong Se-gyun, a presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed the "Establishment of Gyeonggi Buk-do" plan, which suggests dividing Gyeonggi Province into north and south and separating the 10 cities and counties north of the Han River from Gyeonggi Province.

On the morning of the 16th, Candidate Jeong held a press conference at the Northern Office of Gyeonggi Provincial Government in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, stating, "We will promote the establishment of Gyeonggi Buk-do through a prompt resident referendum and open a new era of northern Gyeonggi created by the residents themselves."

Candidate Jeong emphasized, "The division of northern Gyeonggi is a long-cherished wish of the northern residents," and added, "Northern Gyeonggi has lagged behind compared to the south due to regulations stemming from its status as a border area."

He further pointed out, "Gyeonggi Province has become too large, which may cause inefficiency and operational problems, and the differences between the north and south are significant, making it difficult to harmonize. Therefore, Gyeonggi Buk-do should be separated to provide administration suited to its characteristics."

Candidate Jeong also said, "Administrative district reorganization must be done by law in the National Assembly, but if serious discussions take place there and residents' support backs it, it can be achieved."

He then explained plans for the development of northern Gyeonggi, including ▲establishing a high court and family court after setting up Gyeonggi Buk-do ▲installing a public medical center hub in northern Gyeonggi ▲creating a peace economic special zone in the border area ▲pursuing early return of US military bases ▲early commencement of Line 8 and Byeollae Line construction ▲and establishing a mobility cluster project in northern Gyeonggi.

Among the current Democratic Party presidential primary candidates, former party leader Lee Nak-yeon and former Prime Minister Jeong Se-gyun support the division plan, while Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung maintains an opposing stance.

The division plan, which proposes separating the 10 cities and counties of northern Gyeonggi from Gyeonggi Province to create a separate metropolitan autonomous entity, has appeared as a recurring campaign promise since 1987 during election seasons. However, it has repeatedly failed to be implemented due to premature opposition from successive governors after elections.

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