Although UNESCO recommended that an impact assessment be conducted regarding the redevelopment of Sewoon District 4 in front of Jongmyo Shrine, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has expressed a negative stance toward carrying out a World Heritage impact assessment.

On the 17th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government issued a statement saying, "We express deep regret that the head of the National Heritage Administration continues to raise concerns about the potential damage to the landscape of Jongmyo and is persistently pressuring us to conduct a World Heritage impact assessment."

The city further stated, "The National Heritage Administration did not even designate the 'World Heritage Zone,' which is a legal prerequisite for implementing a World Heritage impact assessment, and only belatedly designated it after the redevelopment of Sewoon District 4 became a controversial issue," adding, "This amounts to an admission that the administration failed to fulfill its original responsibilities and only took action to target a specific project by the Seoul Metropolitan Government."

Additionally, the city pointed out that even though more than 30 years have passed since Jongmyo was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Heritage Administration has yet to establish a 'buffer zone,' which serves as the baseline for protecting Jongmyo. The city stated, "In this situation, repeatedly demanding that only the Seoul Metropolitan Government implement a World Heritage impact assessment raises doubts about the sincerity of the National Heritage Administration's commitment to preserving Jongmyo."

Seoul Jongmyo Shrine and Sewoon District 4. Photo by Yonhap News

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Earlier that day, Heo Min, head of the National Heritage Administration, held a press briefing and announced, "We recently received a message from UNESCO demanding strong measures." He continued, "UNESCO explicitly expressed concerns that Jongmyo could be damaged by the development of high-rise buildings and recommended that an impact assessment be conducted without fail," adding, "They specified that project approval should be suspended until a positive review regarding the World Heritage impact assessment is completed."

The city reiterated its position that the redevelopment project in Sewoon District 4 will further highlight the surroundings of Jongmyo. The city stated, "The vast green axis stretching from Namsan to Jongmyo and the three-dimensional urban structure formed on both sides will make the area around Jongmyo, currently blocked by dilapidated shacks, stand out even more," adding, "Through precise simulations and the adoption of architectural designs harmonizing with Jongmyo, we have already verified that there will be no landscape damage."

While the city welcomed the interagency meeting proposed by the National Heritage Administration, it also called for the participation of local resident representatives. The city urged, "Representatives of Jongno residents, who have suffered from development delays for decades, should also participate to ensure a balanced discussion structure involving the public sector, private sector, and experts, rather than a unilateral stance by a single agency."

The city further emphasized, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government makes it clear that preserving cultural heritage and securing the city's future competitiveness are not mutually exclusive choices but two pillars that must be pursued simultaneously," adding, "We strongly request the responsible cooperation of the National Heritage Administration."