Exit Polls Show Split Results in South Korea Local Elections, With Ruling Party Leading Most Races but Seoul Competitive

Exit polls released on June 3, 2026 projected the ruling Democratic Party to win at least 10 of the 16 metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial posts contested in South Korea's nationwide local elections. A JTBC exit poll showed the Democratic Party ahead in 10 of the 16 key races, while a separate poll conducted by KBS, MBC and SBS projected the party to win 11.

Both polls placed the main opposition People Power Party on track for a single post, with four to five races remaining too close to call.

The elections filled 16 mayoral and gubernatorial posts, 16 education superintendent seats, 227 heads of local governments and approximately 4,000 local council members. 9 percent, according to the JTBC poll. 9 percent to the People Power Party's Park Heong-joon.

Voters cast ballots at polling stations across the country, including one in Chungju, about 100 kilometers southeast of Seoul.