This study aims to objectively evaluate the performance of past central authority transfers and explore rational distribution schemes that reflect the specific characteristics of Seoul as a global megacity. Despite successive South Korean governments designating local decentralization as a key national agenda, the actual level of autonomy felt by local governments remains low due to a top-down approach and the transfer of tasks without accompanying decision-making power or resources. To address these structural limitations, a comprehensive methodology was employed, combining a literature review, a perception survey of 593 Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, and in-depth case studies of four key sectors: Electrical Business Permission, Real Estate Development Registration, Medical Institution Registration for Foreign Patients, and Marina Industry Registration.
The analysis reveals that while the quantitative volume of transferred affairs has increased, qualitative limitations persist. Most transferred tasks are concentrated on simple executive functions such as registration and inspection, while core policy-making powers remain centralized. The survey results corroborate this, with officials highlighting the dumping of tasks—where workload increases without necessary personnel or budget—and the hindrance of uniform central guidelines on local flexibility. Furthermore, case studies show that the lack of access to essential IT systems and data, despite the legal transfer of authority, causes significant administrative inefficiencies.
To overcome these challenges, the study proposes a strategic framework aligned with the Seoul Vision 2030 master plan. This includes a Social Inclusion Strategy for housing and welfare, a Sustainable Development Strategy for climate and infrastructure, and a Smart City Strategy for digital transformation. To ensure successful implementation, the study suggests a shift toward a package support system where personnel, budget, and IT infrastructure are legislated alongside authority. This involves establishing the principle of Full Cost Preservation and adopting a Digital First Approach to grant data access rights before legal transfers occur.
Finally, the study emphasizes moving away from uniform decentralization toward "Tailored Differential Transfer." This approach prioritizes transferring core authorities related to finance and investment to metropolises based on their administrative capacity. It also advocates for bold fiscal decentralization, aiming for a national-to-local tax ratio of 6:4, and the establishment of "Mega-Region Governance" to address wide-area urban issues. In conclusion, implementing these Seoul-specific strategies will not only enhance local autonomy but also serve as a leading model for national decentralization, ultimately strengthening Korea’s global competitiveness through rational role-sharing between central and local governments.