Weekly Administrative & Regional Update — 2026-06-15

Country and Capital Name Changes

There are no updates regarding country name changes or capital relocations this week.

Administrative Boundary Adjustments and Integration

Expansion of Provincial-Metropolitan Integration in South Korea

Throughout 2026, various regions in South Korea have been actively pushing for the creation of "Integrated Special Cities" (통합특별시) through the merger of provinces and metropolitan cities. The goal is to launch these integrated cities as early as the upcoming 9th local elections in 2026.

Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Merger Confirmed

The plan to merge Jeollanam-do and Gwangju Metropolitan City into the "Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City" has been finalized. Consequently, the number of metropolitan cities and provinces will each decrease from 6 to 5, while the number of integrated special cities will increase from 0 to 1. The number of cities under provincial jurisdiction will drop from 62 to 57, counties from 57 to 40, and districts (gu) under metropolitan jurisdiction from 44 to 39.

Incheon Administrative Restructuring Implementation

The administrative system in Incheon, which has maintained a 2-county/8-district (gu) structure for 31 years since 1995, will change to a 2-county/9-district system starting July 1, 2026. Announced on August 31, 2022, by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, this plan follows the election of local government heads and council members during the 9th Nationwide Local Elections (held June 3, 2026). The new structure will officially take effect on July 1.

Summary and Analysis of Administrative Changes

Background on Regional Integration

The push for integrating provincial and metropolitan entities in South Korea, timed with the 2026 local elections, stems from a policy goal to enhance administrative efficiency and create broader economic zones. The launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City will enable unified regional policy implementation across the Honam region.

Subdivision Strategy for Metropolitan-Adjacent Areas

Incheon's administrative reorganization involves adding a new district to the existing 8-district system, reflecting an effort to improve the quality of administrative services provided by basic local governments. This policy is a response to the continuous population growth in areas adjacent to the Seoul Metropolitan Area.

Administrative Reorganization During the 2026 Local Elections

The 9th Nationwide Local Elections held on June 3, 2026, carried significance beyond simple voting. By simultaneously electing heads and council members for the new administrative zones, the government aims to minimize administrative gaps and ensure a swift implementation of the structural changes.