Local Autonomy Act (Jibang Jachi Beop)
The Local Autonomy Act (Jibang Jachi Beop) establishes the framework for local self-government in South Korea. Originally enacted in 1949, the Act has been significantly amended to strengthen local autonomy. The Act establishes metropolitan cities and provinces, defines the powers and functions of local governments, and provides for the election of local council members and heads of local governments.
Legal area: Law governing the procedures and powers of government agencies.
Year enacted: 1949
Full text: https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/law_view.do?hseq=south-korea-local-autonomy-act
Key Provisions
- Chapter I: General provisions (local government types, autonomy)
- Chapter II: Local councils (composition, powers, procedures)
- Chapter III: Heads of local governments (powers, duties)
- Chapter IV: Local government powers and functions
- Chapter V: Local finance (revenue, transfers, borrowing)
- Chapter VI: Supervision and oversight
Significance
The Local Autonomy Act is the foundation of South Korea’s system of local self-government. The Act has been progressively amended to expand local powers and reduce central government intervention. South Korea has 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, each with elected councils and heads. The Act’s provisions on local finance address the balance between local revenue generation and central government transfers. Local autonomy has been strengthened through fiscal decentralisation and the expansion of local policy autonomy.