"Undermining the Foundation of Buried Heritage Protection"... Cultural Heritage Committee Condemns SH Corporation for Damage in Sewoon District 4

"National Heritage Administration's Complaint Is Justified"
"Preservation Management Plan Must Come First"

Drilling scene at the excavation site of the Seun 4 district store remains in Seoul

The Committee on Buried Heritage of the National Heritage Committee strongly criticized the unauthorized drilling activities conducted by the Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH Corporation) within the Seun 4 District in Seoul. In a statement released on March 19, the committee condemned the actions, stating, "When a public institution arbitrarily alters the site without following legal procedures and consultation processes, it undermines the very foundation of the entire protection system for buried heritage."

The Seun 4 District is an area where administrative procedures required by relevant laws have not yet been completed, meaning it is still legally classified as a region containing buried heritage that must be protected. Accordingly, on March 16, the National Heritage Administration filed a complaint against SH Corporation for violating the "Act on Protection and Investigation of Buried Cultural Heritage." The committee emphasized, "This is not a selective or excessive measure but an unavoidable and legitimate action in accordance with the law."

The damaged area contains well-preserved urban infrastructure from the Joseon Dynasty. During the excavation, building sites, roads, and drainage systems related to the Imun (village gate) of Hanseong Fortress were identified.

The committee urged SH Corporation to "stop justifying its violations and present responsible countermeasures." It further stated, "Considering the historical value of the site and the public principle of protecting buried heritage, SH Corporation must establish a preservation management plan that prioritizes the conservation of the site and faithfully participate in the review process."

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