(LEAD) Foreign, unification, defense ministries to relocate to Sejong by 2031

The South Korean government has announced plans to relocate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, and the Ministry of National Defense to Sejong City by 2031. This move is part of a broader, long-term initiative to decentralize administrative functions from Seoul to the administrative capital.

The relocation of these three key security and diplomatic ministries marks a significant shift in the geographical distribution of the nation's core government institutions. The transition is scheduled to be completed over the next several years as part of the ongoing development of Sejong as the primary administrative hub.