TK administrative integration agreement...the same 'special city' status as Seoul

Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do have agreed to create another special city with the same status as Seoul by pushing for a failed administrative integration discussion.

Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min, Chairman of the Local Times Committee Woo Dong-ki, Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City Hong Joon Pyo, and Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Lee Chul-woo met at the Seoul Government Complex and agreed on such an administrative integration plan.

According to the agreement, the name of the integrated local government will be "Daegu Gyeongbuk Special City" and the legal status will be established in a position comparable to that of Seoul, the capital city.

Regarding the controversial office authority of basic organizations, cities, counties, and autonomous districts maintain their existing office authority, but Daegu-Gyeongbuk-do has the general, coordination, and execution functions.

In addition, it agreed to actively promote balanced development in the region, including measures for development in the northern region, and to utilize Daegu, Andong, and Pohang.

The government, Daegu City, and Gyeongsangbuk-do will promote administrative integration with the aim of launching in July 2026 after the enactment of the special law.