Jung-gu Actively Welcomes the Relaxation of Namsan Height Restrictions
Expecting a Rational Harmony Between Regional Development and Landscape Preservation!
Mayor Kim Gil-seong Achieves a 30-Year Wish of Jung-gu Residents Within One Year of Taking Office
Unyielding Determination, Exceptional Communication, and Smart Ideas Unite All of Jung-gu
Seoul’s Jung-gu District (Mayor Kim Gil-seong) expressed its “active welcome” to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “New Height Zone Plan” announced by Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 30th of last month.
This plan is significant as it marks the first time in 30 years that the height restrictions around Namsan have been eased.
According to the announcement, areas previously regulated at 12m and 20m will now be managed with more detailed segmentation, ranging from 20m up to a maximum of 40m. In particular, the area around Yaksu Station will see height limits relaxed from the existing 20m to between 32m and 40m, taking into account the terrain differences.
This is expected to somewhat alleviate the inconveniences endured by Jung-gu residents. The strong height restrictions that had led to aging and hazardous residential environments can now be improved. High-rise buildings along main roads are anticipated to bring new vitality to the area.
The relaxation of Namsan height restrictions has been a long-standing wish of Jung-gu residents. However, due to Namsan’s symbolic significance to Seoul citizens as an “impregnable fortress,” the residents’ requests were repeatedly ignored.
The district completely changed its approach. By closely communicating with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, experts, and resident councils, it proposed a rational plan to ease regulations. It carefully considered easing restrictions where Namsan is not visible to an appropriate extent, while maintaining regulations where landscape management is necessary, seeking a reasonable compromise from multiple angles.
The district’s determination and efforts to boldly take the first step where no one had before, and to scientifically and systematically approach how to reduce residents’ inconveniences while protecting Namsan’s natural scenery, have finally paid off.
Mayor Kim Gil-seong of Jung-gu stated, “Once the detailed plan is open for public inspection, we will gather residents’ opinions more broadly and deeply, convey them to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and cooperate fully with the city until the announced plan is finalized.”
Jung-gu’s Position Statement on the Seoul Mayor’s Announcement (New Height Zone Plan Including Namsan)
Jung-gu expresses its welcome to the New Height Zone Plan announced today (the 30th) by Mayor Oh Se-hoon. This redevelopment plan is monumental as it marks the first relaxation of the Namsan height restrictions that have been in place for over 30 years. Although there are some regrets regarding the extent of the relaxation, it is clear that the long-neglected residential areas on the slopes of Namsan will take their first step toward change.
Until now, the Namsan height zone was hindered by uniform and strict height regulations, making remodeling or reconstruction difficult, and the residential environment steadily deteriorated. Narrow, steep alleys inaccessible even to vehicles were filled with old houses, some of which leaned so much that doors would open on their own, leaving residents helpless. Empty houses increased, turning the area into a slum, and younger generations moved away.
The comfortable view of Namsan that we have enjoyed came at the invisible sacrifice of Jung-gu residents. This redevelopment plan is expected to somewhat ease the inconveniences endured by Jung-gu residents on the slopes of Namsan over the past 30 years.
Currently, five neighborhoods in Jung-gu (Hoehyeon-dong, Myeong-dong, Pildong, Jangchung-dong, and Dasan-dong) are adjacent to the Namsan height zone. According to today’s announcement, areas previously regulated at 12m and 20m will now be managed with more detailed segmentation ranging from 20m up to a maximum of 40m. In particular, the area around Yaksu Station will see height limits relaxed from the existing 20m to between 32m and 40m, considering terrain differences. Additionally, areas where height zones overlap with natural landscape zones and where regulations have become ineffective will see adjustments to simplify regulations.
Once this redevelopment plan is finalized, approximately 15,000 residents will directly or indirectly benefit from improved residential conditions. Especially in Hoehyeon-dong’s Toegye-ro area and Dasan-dong’s Yaksu intersection, where land-use efficiency was significantly reduced due to stark height differences despite being quasi-residential zones, the relaxation will open up previously blocked development opportunities.
Many citizens are concerned that this relaxation of height restrictions might severely damage the Namsan landscape. However, as repeatedly stated, Jung-gu’s policy direction regarding the Namsan landscape is “rational management.” Restrictions will be eased scientifically through simulations where Namsan is not visible and thus regulations are meaningless, while regulations will be maintained where landscape management remains necessary. Preserving the Namsan landscape is also a value Jung-gu strives to uphold.
Jung-gu has held dozens of working-level meetings to closely communicate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and jointly develop plans to ease Namsan height restrictions. Alongside this, the district has focused on gathering residents’ opinions through resident councils and public discussions.
From Thursday, July 6, when the detailed plan is open for public inspection, the district will carefully collect residents’ opinions through explanatory meetings and then convey them to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Furthermore, the district will cooperate fully with the city and spare no effort until the announced redevelopment plan is finally confirmed.
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