In Yeouido and Gangnam, "The Second Chellitus Emerges"

Oh Se-hoon Relaunches 'Matchbox Apartment Phase 2.0'
Seoul Allows Ultra-High-Rise Apartments Over 50 Floors
"Regulations Eased Considering Design and Public Interest"

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] High-rise apartments such as Raemian Chellitus (56 floors) and Seongdong-gu Trimage (47 floors) will be built again in Seoul. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has restarted the 'Matchbox Apartment Phase 2.0' and will allow the construction of apartments over 50 floors to create a harmonious skyline in Seoul.

On the 9th, Mayor Oh held a press briefing at Seoul City Hall and announced the ‘Urban and Architectural Design Innovation Plan’ to transform Seoul into a creative architectural city. Mayor Oh said, "Various height and floor area ratio restrictions and preservation-focused policies have produced Seoul’s monotonous and uniform buildings," adding, "We will induce design innovation through design-first administration and easing various regulations."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is holding a press briefing on urban architectural design innovation at Seoul City Hall on the 9th. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

The announcement included design innovation plans not only for buildings but also for residential sectors such as apartments.

First, Seoul will allow the construction of high-rise apartments. To create a harmonious skyline, apartments of 50 floors can be built if requirements such as landscape, views, Han River accessibility, and specialized design are met. This is a restart of the ‘Matchbox Apartment Phase 2.0’ declared by Mayor Oh during his 2007 tenure as Seoul mayor.

High-rise apartments in Seoul, such as Raemian Chellitus (56 floors) and Seongsu Trimage (47 floors), were made possible when Mayor Oh eased floor restrictions in strategic redevelopment zones along the Han River, including Apgujeong, Yeouido, Seongsu, Ichon, and Hapjeong during his term.

Mayor Oh explained, "If requirements such as specialized design, landscape management, and Han River accessibility are met, high-rise buildings will be allowed to improve the urban landscape and secure public interest."

Seoul City plans to allow buildings over 50 floors considering public interest such as various building forms and connectivity between the Han River and waterfront parks, in connection with the Matchbox Apartment Phase 2.0.

A Seoul city official said, "Among the reconstruction-promoting apartments such as Yeouido pilot complex, Jamsil Jugong Complex 5, and Eunma, some have requested or planned high-rise construction," adding, "If the design is good, height is not a big issue."