[Report] "Cultural Heritage Protection" vs "Living People First" Controversy Over High-Rise Apartments Near Gimpo Jangneung

20-Story Building Frame Erected in Front of Gimpo Jangneung
Apartment Construction Near Cultural Heritage Site Within 450m... Thousands of Households Expected to Move In
Cultural Heritage Administration Orders Construction Halt, Saying "Builders Did Not Undergo Review"
Construction Companies Protest... Improvement Plan to Be Submitted by Next Month 11

When looking straight ahead from Wonjong's tomb above Jangneung in Gimpo, Gyeonggi, you can see a construction site blocking Gyeyang Mountain. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] "It's our cultural heritage, so shouldn't we naturally protect it?", "Still, the living take priority over the graves of the dead."

Controversy is intensifying over a high-rise apartment building constructed near Gimpo Jangneung, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in Gyeonggi Province. The building, located just 450 meters from Jangneung, is raising concerns that it damages the surrounding landscape and undermines the significance of the cultural asset. Opinions among Gimpo citizens are divided. While some voices call for the preservation of cultural heritage, others argue that the building, which already has thousands of units scheduled for occupancy, cannot be hastily demolished.

◆20-Story Apartment Blocking the Royal Tomb: "Preserve the Tomb's Value" vs. "Protect the Residents"

Gimpo Jangneung is the tomb of Wonjong (1580?1619), father of the 16th Joseon king Injo, and his wife Queen Inheon (1578?1626). It is located near Gimpo City Hall, on the mid-slope of Jangneung Mountain.

The tombs of Wonjong and Queen Inheon are enshrined in a ritual space surrounded by pine forests. Following the upward path that seems to soar toward the sky, visitors can see the two tombs on a clear hilltop, guarded by various stone artifacts.

Incense burner leading to the tombs of Wonjong and Queen Inheon. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

From the perspective of general visitors, it appears as a peaceful landscape. However, the situation is different from the upper area where Jangneung is located. In the past, Gyeyang Mountain was visible from here, but now it is blocked by concrete structures. These are 20-story apartment complexes currently being built in the Geomdan New Town. It is as if the royal family's view is being obstructed.

Recently, the Cultural Heritage Administration filed complaints with the Incheon Western Police Station against three construction companies building high-rise apartments near Jangneung and ordered a halt to construction. The reason was that construction proceeded without undergoing the required review. However, the construction companies are resisting, claiming they began construction following proper procedures.

The view of the tomb looking upward from the ancestral rite space past the incense burner. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

On the 28th, Mr. Choi, a citizen in his 70s whom we met at Jangneung, expressed outrage over this situation, calling it "too much." He visits Jangneung regularly and said, "I'm not angry simply because the scenery is damaged. This tomb was originally designed to face the mountain, but suddenly an apartment building was erected, ruining all its meaning." He explained, "If the meaning of the tomb disappears, its value also disappears."

There were also claims that the city, which sold the land, and the construction company pushing the project were irresponsible. Mrs. A, a housewife in her 50s, said, "Having a world-class cultural asset in Gimpo is a regional treasure and a competitive advantage, but isn't it ruined by hasty development? I wish they would care about citizens' welfare instead of recklessly building apartments."

On the other hand, some voices prioritized protecting the residents over cultural heritage. Mr. B, in his 50s, who runs a cafe near City Hall, said, "I heard there are 3,400 units scheduled for occupancy in the apartments. What happens to those who already bought homes if construction is delayed or, heaven forbid, the buildings are demolished? Are dead Joseon kings more important than thousands of living citizens? That makes no sense," he said sharply.

◆Cultural Heritage Administration to Decide Apartment's Fate After Review on November 11

Jangneung was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. Especially notable is that Gimpo Jangneung is aligned in a straight line with King Injo's tomb in Paju and Gyeyang Mountain, showcasing the ambitious architectural intent of ancestors and making it a unique heritage.

The view of the straight line connecting Paju Jangneung, the tomb of King Injong, to Gimpo Jangneung (left) and the area between Gimpo Jangneung and the Geomdan New Town construction site. / Photo by Naver Map Capture

If indiscriminate development near the cultural asset causes 'distortion' of this design, there are concerns that Jangneung could lose its cultural heritage status. UNESCO's criteria for World Heritage registration include 'authenticity' (maintaining original value in materials, techniques, etc.).

So far, only three sites have lost their cultural heritage status: the Elbe Valley in Dresden, Germany; the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman; and most recently, the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City in the UK, which was delisted in July due to repeated indiscriminate development in Liverpool.

Accordingly, the Cultural Heritage Administration protects cultural heritage through the Cultural Heritage Protection Act. The current controversy over Gimpo Jangneung stems from construction companies violating this act by starting construction without approval, according to the Administration.

According to the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, buildings over 20 meters (about 7 stories) within 500 meters of a cultural asset require review by the Cultural Heritage Administration. However, it appears the construction companies did not undergo prior review.

Regarding this, a Cultural Heritage Administration official pointed out, "The construction companies claim they received permission from Incheon City, but separate from land approval, any building construction requires a separate review by the Cultural Heritage Administration, not the local government."

He added, "We have requested the construction companies to prepare related countermeasures, which are expected next month. Since the buildings are almost completed, we are not considering complete demolition. However, the situation depends on the companies' countermeasures," he emphasized.

A World Heritage monument erected near Jangneung in Gimpo. / Photo by Im Ju-hyung skepped@

The construction companies claim they have completed all necessary procedures. Daekwang Geonyeong, one of the apartment builders in Geomdan New Town, said, "From our standpoint, we received normal project approvals under the Housing Act and Building Act and began construction, so the claim that permission was omitted is unfounded. We are currently engaged in litigation through the Seoul Administrative Court, disputing the administrative disposition."

However, they added, "Although we do not emotionally accept it, from the residents' perspective, we must explore all possibilities, so the Cultural Heritage Administration's review is also underway. We are considering alternatives with experts to preserve the cultural heritage."

They continued, "The apartment's framework construction is complete, and interior work is ongoing. Move-in is already scheduled for next year, and residents have already taken out interim payment loans. A demolition decision in this situation would be the worst-case scenario and must be avoided at all costs," they stressed.

Currently, the Cultural Heritage Administration has demanded that the construction companies submit a 'Historical and Cultural Environment Improvement Plan' by October 11. This plan will be reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Committee, which will decide on follow-up measures related to the apartments under construction.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.