Why Was the Seocho-gu Building Inspector Operated?

Gu operates 'Seocho-gu Architectural Supervisors' to establish a proper architectural culture... Appoints 3 experts with comprehensive architectural knowledge... Provides 'Regularization Consultation for Existing Violating Buildings' for correction obligors fined with enforcement charges until December 15

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) operates the ‘Seocho-gu Building Guidance Officers’ to prevent safety accidents caused by illegal buildings in advance and to establish a proper building culture.

This initiative was prepared in response to the increasing importance of corrective measures for illegal buildings, following the identification of illegal buildings as one of the causes that exacerbated the damage in the Itaewon tragedy last October.

Accordingly, the district appointed three experts with comprehensive architectural knowledge as ‘Seocho-gu Building Guidance Officers’ in August, recommended by the Seocho-gu Architects Association. They are divided into three teams by area: ▲ Seocho, Naegok, Yeomgok, Sinwon, Wonji, Umyeon-dong ▲ Bangbae-dong ▲ Banpo, Jamwon, Yangjae-dong, to promptly support the correction and legalization of previously detected illegal buildings.

To this end, a ‘Consultation for Legalization of Existing Illegal Buildings’ will be offered free of charge until December 15. ‘Legalization of illegal buildings’ refers to the process of making illegal buildings legal.

The target audience is those obligated to correct who have been imposed with enforcement fines. Various consultations are available, including correction plans for existing illegal buildings such as demolition or approval, and matters related to the Building Act. Previously, the district sent correction order notices regarding illegal buildings to those obligated to correct.

Those wishing to receive consultation can contact the ‘Seocho-gu Building Guidance Officers’ for each area as indicated in the official notice for telephone consultation. If necessary, on-site consultation can be arranged through scheduling with the guidance officers.

The district expects that operating these Building Guidance Officers will help prevent various safety accidents caused by illegal buildings and secure the safety of residents.

If an illegal building is detected, it will be marked as ‘illegal building’ in the building register, and if not corrected, enforcement fines may be imposed up to twice a year.

The district is making efforts to help residents understand the complex and difficult aspects of architecture. To enhance residents’ understanding of architectural work in daily life, it has produced and distributed ‘Easy-to-Learn and Enjoy Architectural Stories.’ Additionally, a free architectural consultation service is operated through the Seocho OK Life Advisory Group.

Jeon Seong-su, Mayor of Seocho-gu, said, “We will do our best to create a pleasant residential environment that prioritizes residents’ safety and to realize trusted building administration.”

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