“Move by Year-End” Fast-Track Plan Combines Leasing and New Build: Local Community

Local Community: Swift Lease Decision Draws Continuous Praise

Local Community: Following the July 10 announcement that MOF’s Busan branch will lease IM and Hyupseong Buildings in Dong-gu’s Sujeong-dong, praise poured in from Busan City, politicians, and industry. Mayor Park Heong-jun tweeted he had identified 19 potential sites for the 850 staff and pledged full support for the fast-tracked lease. 강남 사옥 임대 Rep. Kwak Kyu-taek hailed Dong-gu as a symbolic hub for maritime administration. Industry leaders welcomed the move, noting “on-site governance will accelerate talks on key projects like Busan Fisheries Market modernization.”

Year-End Move Roadmap Balances Leasing and New Construction

The relocation of MOF—an election pledge and top priority for President Lee’s administration—is now on a “by-year-end” fast-track. The National Planning Commission has directed an immediate lease to secure workspace and simultaneous new-build plans. Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae explained: “Leasing alone won’t suffice, so we’re pushing ahead with design, construction, and securing a new headquarters within 3–4 years.” The Ministry is drafting detailed steps to enable on-site operations in Busan as early as H2 2025.

Calls Grow for Expanded Functions and Linked Agency Moves

The MOF relocation has sparked calls for allied agencies and functions—shipbuilding, marine plant, logistics—to move along. Auction success. The Maritime Hub Busan Council urged not only relocation but organizational expansion with multiple vice-ministers to strengthen policy leadership. POSCO Busan Chamber President Yang Jae-saeng said, “Integrating maritime, logistics, and tourism bodies will solidify Busan’s status as a global marine capital.” A former MOF official added: “Without consolidated budgets and structures, seamless field collaboration won’t be possible.”