Relaxation of Height Restrictions in Guggi, Pyeongchang, and Around Gyeongbokgung... Positive Signal for Rational Urban Planning in Jongno-gu

Elevation restrictions in Gugi and Pyeongchang districts eased from 20m to 24m, with possible relaxation up to 45m after City Urban Planning Committee review per landscape management guidelines... Some areas in Seochon within Gyeongbokgung vicinity elevation zones eased from 20m to 24m and 16m to 18m

Jeong Munheon, Mayor of Jongno District

With the comprehensive reform of the height district system applied to Gugi, Pyeongchang, and the areas surrounding Gyeongbokgung in Jongno-gu (District Mayor Jeong Munheon), a green light has been turned on for improving the aging residential environment in these areas.

As a result, it is expected that a rational and effective urban plan for the residents of Jongno-gu, who have endured inconveniences due to development restrictions and various regulations, can be promoted.

Following the approval of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Urban Planning Committee’s review on the 17th, the height restriction in the Gugi and Pyeongchang height districts has been relaxed from 20m to 24m (with the possibility of up to 28m through city review). In future redevelopment, reconstruction, and various maintenance projects including Moa Town, buildings can be constructed up to 45m after review by the city’s Urban Planning Committee according to the landscape management guidelines.

Regulations on some areas of Seochon, which belong to the height district around Gyeongbokgung, have also been eased from 20m to 24m and from 16m to 18m respectively. This is the first change since the height district was initially designated in 1977.

The height district is an urban management plan that restricts building heights to protect urban landscapes and prevent overcrowding. In Seoul, eight areas around major mountains and facilities, including Bukhansan and Gyeongbokgung, have been managed as height districts.

However, due to the lack of significant changes in the system, there were side effects that made it difficult to improve the residential environment. In response, the city announced the “New Height District Plan” in June last year and collected public opinions until the end of the year.

Jongno-gu submitted a request to Seoul City to relax height restrictions and provided public comments to alleviate the inconveniences of residents demanding residential environment improvements, reduce development disparities with surrounding areas, and strengthen urban competitiveness.

District Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “This comprehensive reform of the height district system has given momentum to the promotion of maintenance projects that improve residents’ quality of life,” adding, “We will work together with Seoul City to achieve the residential environment improvements that residents hope for and to enhance urban competitiveness.”