Exclusive
Korea Fisheries Resources Agency to Move Some Departments to 'Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Annex'

[비즈한국] It has been confirmed that the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA) has signed a lease agreement for Hyupsung Tower in Dong-gu, Busan. FIRA stated that it plans to relocate some departments to Hyupsung Tower. The FIRA headquarters is currently located in Gijang-gun, Busan. As an agency under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, FIRA engages in businesses related to fisheries resources.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is moving its office from Sejong City to the IM Building and Hyupsung Tower in Busan. Relocation work began on December 8 and is scheduled to be completed by December 22. The IM Building will serve as the main office, while Hyupsung Tower will be used as an annex. Once the relocation is complete, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and some departments of FIRA will work together in the Hyupsung Tower building.

It is understood that when the Lee Jae-myung administration discussed the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the middle of this year, the relocation of agencies under the ministry was also discussed. However, FIRA stated that only some departments would move to Hyupsung Tower, and the headquarters would remain in Gijang-gun.

An official from FIRA explained, "Following the reorganization in September, there was a shortage of space, so it was decided that two departments would move (to Hyupsung Tower)." The official added, "Departments that frequently interact with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are moving, and this is a measure to expand office space rather than relocating the headquarters." When asked which departments were moving, the official replied, "We plan to officially announce it when it opens in January."

Given that its headquarters is already in Busan, there is considered little need for FIRA to relocate its headquarters. Opinions suggest that the headquarters relocation of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, currently in Sejong, or the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, currently in Seoul, should take priority over FIRA.

It is reported that a number of other agencies under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are currently pursuing relocation to Busan. President Lee Jae-myung passed the 'Special Act on Support for Agencies Relocating to the Maritime Capital of Busan' on December 2, establishing a systemic framework. However, some assess that uncertainty has arisen following the recent resignation of former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo.

Byun Sung-wan, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Busan City Committee, stated on social media (SNS) on the 12th, "Many Busan citizens are voicing concerns that the policy for Busan as a maritime capital might waver following the resignation of former Minister Jeon Jae-soo." He added, "Busan as a maritime capital is supported by the laws, systems, and institutions established by the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party of Korea, and Busan's future maritime strategy will continue to proceed without wavering."