UNESCO Demands Suspension of Approval for 145m Redevelopment in Front of Jongmyo Shrine

World Heritage Centre Delivers Official Document to National Heritage Administration
"Suspension Until Impact Assessment Is Complete"

Virtual Rendering of Sewoon District 4 Buildings Based on Seoul City Official Announcement

UNESCO has demanded strong measures regarding the redevelopment project in front of Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul.

On the 17th, Huh Min, Administrator of the National Heritage Administration, stated at a press briefing held at the National Palace Museum of Korea auditorium in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "We recently received a message from UNESCO calling for strong measures," adding, "It is both a diplomatic and official document."

The UNESCO document, issued by the World Heritage Centre, was delivered to the National Heritage Administration on the 15th via the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO. Administrator Huh explained, "UNESCO explicitly expressed concerns that the development of high-rise buildings in Sewoon District 4 could damage Jongmyo, a World Heritage site, and strongly recommended that a heritage impact assessment be conducted." He particularly emphasized, "The document specifies that Seoul should suspend approval of any projects related to Sewoon District 4 until the Centre and its advisory bodies have completed their positive review."

Virtual image created based on the Seoul city announcement content

UNESCO has requested that, given a third-party complaint has been filed, the Korean government respond with its opinion and additional information within one month. Recently, the Cheonggyecheon Euljiro Preservation Solidarity sent a letter to UNESCO headquarters, urging them to visit Korea for a heritage impact assessment, stating, "The view of Jongmyo, which Korean citizens take pride in, is in jeopardy."

On this day, the National Heritage Administration also released virtual renderings of a 145-meter building as seen from the Sangwoldae and the main gate (Oedaemun) of Jongmyo Jeongjeon, as well as from above Jongmyo. Administrator Huh stated, "The World Heritage Impact Assessment is an internationally recognized conservation management system that all State Parties to the World Heritage Convention must follow according to UNESCO guidelines," and added, "We will strengthen the domestic legal framework and pursue amendments to relevant laws in consultation with other ministries."

He proposed, "We ask Seoul to seek a practical solution that preserves the heritage value of Jongmyo through the World Heritage Impact Assessment process while promptly alleviating residents' inconveniences," and suggested, "Let us establish a coordination meeting as soon as possible with the participation of Seoul City, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the National Heritage Administration." The National Heritage Administration sent the relevant document to Seoul City as an official letter on the morning of the same day.

Virtual image created based on the Seoul city announcement content

Jongmyo is a national shrine that enshrines the spirit tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, and it was inscribed as a World Heritage site in December 1995. Recently, Seoul City announced a redevelopment promotion plan for Sewoon District 4, raising the maximum building height to 145 meters.