On April 14, 2026, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province took a decisive step in its quest for greater autonomy by submitting a sweeping revision bill to the Jeju Support Committee, a body under the Prime Minister’s Office. The proposed changes to the 'Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Establishment and International Free City Construction Special Act' represent the eighth and most ambitious stage yet in the island’s decades-long journey toward self-governance and local empowerment, according to reporting from Jeju Bokji News and Jejusori.
At the heart of this legislative push is the concept of ‘comprehensive delegation’—a transfer of authority from the central government to Jeju across both broad and specific domains. The bill includes general provisions and covers five major laws: the Tourism Promotion Act, Groundwater Act, Public Waters Act, Mountain Management Act, and Outdoor Advertising Act. Together, these areas touch nearly every aspect of Jeju’s unique environment and economy, from its bustling tourism sector to the preservation of its natural resources and cultural heritage.
What sets this revision apart is its adoption of the so-called ‘negative method’ of legislative innovation. Rather than painstakingly listing each new right or responsibility, the negative method flips the script: Jeju would receive authority over all matters except those expressly reserved for the central government. This approach, as described by Jejusori, is designed to cut through bureaucratic red tape and allow Jeju to govern according to its own local needs and priorities—something local leaders have long argued is essential for the island’s continued growth and sustainability.
The bill is not just about abstract principles; it is packed with concrete measures. There are 111 individual delegation tasks included—many of which were left unresolved in previous rounds of reform. These tasks address everything from resource compensation and budget adjustments to the transfer of certain national taxes, such as the individual consumption tax, into local tax streams. The aim is to give Jeju more control over its own finances, thereby reducing its dependence on decisions made in Seoul.
Farmers, for instance, are expected to benefit from changes to agricultural machinery rental fee standards, a move intended to ease some of the financial pressures faced by local agricultural communities. There are also plans to use profits from the Jeju International Free City Development Center (JDC) to support noise mitigation in affected areas, an issue that has grown in prominence as the island’s development has accelerated.
Another key component of the bill is its focus on sustainability and cultural preservation. Provisions call for an expansion of exceptions in the electricity sector and the establishment of special funds to promote renewable energy—both crucial as Jeju continues its push toward carbon neutrality. Legal bases are also being established for the protection of Jeju studies, the local language, and the iconic haenyeo (female divers) culture, ensuring that modernization does not come at the expense of the island’s distinctive traditions.
Support for new administrative and financial duties of special agencies is also on the agenda, as Jeju seeks to build a more robust infrastructure for self-governance. These changes, as detailed by Jeju Bokji News, are intended to provide Jeju with the flexibility to respond quickly to local challenges and opportunities, rather than waiting for central government approval at every turn.
But while the vision is bold, the path forward is far from certain. The biggest hurdle, as both outlets note, is persuading the central government and the National Assembly to embrace these sweeping changes. The negative method, in particular, represents a significant departure from the piecemeal, incremental approach that has characterized previous rounds of reform. Some in Seoul may worry about setting a precedent that other regions could follow, potentially weakening central oversight.
To overcome these challenges, Jeju officials have committed to strengthening their arguments and engaging in close, ongoing dialogue with central ministries. They are also pursuing a dual strategy: while working through the official government legislative process, they are simultaneously preparing to push for member-initiated legislation in the National Assembly. This two-pronged approach is designed to keep momentum high and ensure that the proposal does not stall amid political wrangling.
According to the 2026 government legislative plan cited by Jejusori, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety intends to submit the revised bill to the Legislation Office by December of this year. After further review, it is expected to reach the National Assembly around March 2027. Should lawmakers approve the bill, it would mark the completion of the eighth stage of Jeju’s institutional improvements, with the negative method at its core.
Kang Min-cheol, head of the Special Self-Governing Decentralization Promotion Team, has emerged as a vocal advocate for the reforms. In his remarks to the press, Kang called the bill “legislative innovation overcoming previous limitations,” and pledged to do everything possible to see it passed within 2026. He added, “We will focus our efforts so that Jeju Special Self-Governing Province can take another step forward as a leading model of local autonomy in Korea, in line with the era of decentralization and the national balanced growth policy.”
The stakes are high—not just for Jeju, but for South Korea as a whole. The island has long been viewed as a testing ground for new ideas in governance, thanks in part to its special status and international profile. If Jeju succeeds in securing these expanded powers, it could inspire similar movements in other regions, fueling a broader shift toward local autonomy and decentralized decision-making across the country.
Yet, the road ahead is likely to be bumpy. Convincing both government officials and lawmakers to relinquish authority is never easy, especially when it involves fundamental changes to the balance of power. Still, Jeju’s leaders remain undeterred, buoyed by a sense of mission and the belief that they are on the right side of history.
As the legislative process unfolds over the coming months, all eyes will be on Jeju to see whether its bold experiment in self-governance can clear the final hurdles and set a new standard for local autonomy in South Korea. For now, the island’s future hangs in the balance, shaped by a mix of tradition, innovation, and an enduring desire to chart its own course.