Goguryeo had overrun the previous capital of Hanseong (modern-day Seoul), which forced Baekje to find a new center of strength.

It was envisaged that government and administrative functions will move to the new capital, along with (possibly) the National Assembly and supreme court, although no sizable relocation was expected until the first phase of the project has been completed by 2012.

[citation needed] The move was intended to reduce Seoul's overcrowding and economic dominance over the rest of South Korea; perhaps not coincidentally, it would have also moved the government and administration out of range of North Korean artillery fire.

[citation needed] The plan has aroused controversy, with opposition parties calling for a referendum to see whether it is endorsed by the population.

Opinion polls showed that a slight majority of South Koreans are opposed to the move, both before and after the ruling.