National Heritage Chief: "High-Rise Construction Across from Jongmyo Could Lead to World Heritage Revocation"

Concerns Raised over Seoul’s Plan at National Assembly Budget Committee
"We Must Consider What We Will Leave for Future Generations"

Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Administration. Photo by Yonhap News

Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Administration, stated on November 6 that if a high-rise building is constructed in Sewoon 4 District, located across from Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is a possibility that Jongmyo could be listed as a 'World Heritage in Danger' and its inscription could be revoked.

At the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts that day, Director Heo expressed "deep regret" regarding the Seoul Metropolitan Government's recent revision of the redevelopment plan for Sewoon 4 District, which significantly raised the permissible building height. He added, "If the development is pushed through, there is indeed a possibility that the World Heritage inscription could be canceled."

This is the first time that the head of the National Heritage Administration has directly addressed the potential impact of the Sewoon 4 District development on Jongmyo Shrine.

On October 30, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the 'Decision (Amendment) on the Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion District and 4th District Redevelopment Promotion Plan and Topographic Map.' Previously, building heights were limited to 55 meters along Jongno and 71.9 meters along Cheonggyecheon. Under the revised plan, the maximum height has been raised to between 101 and 145 meters. Along Cheonggyecheon, this is nearly double the previous limit.

View of Sewoon 4 District, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Director Heo stated, "Since 2006, the National Heritage Administration has requested the Seoul Metropolitan Government to implement a World Heritage Impact Assessment and has continuously urged them to follow UNESCO's recommendations." He criticized, "However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government abruptly announced a revision during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) period that allows the construction of 39- and 40-story buildings."

He continued, "We must consider what we will pass on to future generations," and emphasized, "The issue is not whether the height is 100 meters or 180 meters; we have a responsibility to protect World Heritage sites together with the public."

Assemblyman Kim Jaewon of the Innovation of the Fatherland Party referenced the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Busan next July and urged Director Heo to prepare countermeasures at both the city and national levels.

Jongmyo Shrine is a national shrine that houses the spirit tablets of kings and queens of the Joseon and Korean Empire dynasties. In 1995, it was inscribed as Korea's first UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, and the Janggyeong Panjeon at Haeinsa Temple. At the time of inscription, UNESCO specified the condition that permits for high-rise buildings in the vicinity, which could damage the landscape within the World Heritage area, must be prohibited.

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