If Capital Is Relocated, Gyeonggi Province Would See '8 Trillion Won' Income Increase

Contrary to the Grand National Party's claim that relocating the administrative capital would cause a collapse of the Seoul metropolitan economy, research results indicating that it would actually contribute to increased income and economic development in the Gyeonggi region have been announced by a research institute under Gyeonggi Province, headed by Governor Son Hak-gyu of the Grand National Party, drawing attention as the findings have come to light belatedly.

According to the research report commissioned by the Gyeonggi Research Institute to Seoul National University and completed last March, upon completion of the administrative capital relocation, Gyeonggi Province would experience a population decrease of 1.21 million, while regional gross domestic product (GRDP) would increase by 7.96 trillion won.

In particular, among regions within Gyeonggi Province, Suwon (5.5 trillion won), Yongin (2.9 trillion won), and Ansan (1.9 trillion won) were analyzed as seeing the greatest benefits.

Meanwhile, if the administrative capital were relocated, Seoul's regional gross domestic product was analyzed to decrease by 1.8 trillion won. This figure undoubtedly demonstrates that the Grand National Party's criticism that Seoul's economic power would be severely weakened due to the hollowing-out phenomenon is merely unfounded anxiety.

▲ Governor Son Hak-gyu of Gyeonggi Province responds to questions from lawmakers. <Photo from National Assembly audit> ⓒ Kim Jin-seok

Rep. Jung Jang-seon (Grand National Party, Pyeongtaek District B) of the House Committee on Construction and Transportation presented these "interesting" research findings during the National Assembly audit of Gyeonggi Province on the 13th, directly criticizing the Grand National Party's opposition to capital relocation—a tactical maneuver employing a kind of divide-and-conquer strategy.

On that day, Rep. Jung stated, "Rather, through the occasion of administrative capital relocation, Gyeonggi Province, which has been relegated to a bedroom community for Seoul, will be able to enjoy the benefits of regional development and economic revitalization," adding, "It is contradictory for Gyeonggi Province to oppose the administrative capital relocation when unnecessary population would decrease while necessary productivity would increase."

Rep. Jung also directed a remark toward Governor Son, saying, "Gyeonggi Province and Governor Son should not simply oppose the relocation unconditionally, but should develop independent development strategies such as lifting regulations on Gyeonggi Province."

In his response, Governor Son argued, "The most important reason for opposing capital relocation is concern that the loss of Seoul's brand value would diminish national competitiveness."

However, bypassing the objective results presented in the research report from his own research institute, "politician Son Hak-gyu's" response invoking unproven claims about Seoul's national competitiveness was a remark that led Gyeonggi residents to question whether he is truly fit to be governor of the province.

<Yeouido Communication = Reporter Kim Eun-seong>