Illegal Buildings Beware!... Geumcheon-gu Conducts On-site Investigation Using Aerial Photography Analysis

Building Status and Violations Confirmed for 4,778 Structures with Changes Identified in Aerial Photo Analysis
On-site Inspections Until June, Enforcement Measures Including Penalties for Non-compliance with Correction Orders

Geumcheon-gu (District Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) announced that it will conduct on-site inspections by June on 4,778 buildings identified through the analysis of Seoul city aerial photographs last year to determine violations such as illegal extensions.

This initiative aims to prevent various safety accidents caused by unauthorized construction and to restore building order, thereby creating a pleasant urban environment.

The inspection targets buildings with changes identified in the 2023 aerial photograph analysis. The district will visit sites by June to verify ownership, area, structure, usage, and any violations of the Building Act (new construction, extension, remodeling) carried out without permits or notifications. Special focus will be placed on unauthorized extensions of rooftops, balconies, storage rooms, or other auxiliary structures, as well as unauthorized installation of temporary structures in front of stores.

If violations are confirmed, the district plans to actively encourage voluntary correction such as demolition through correction orders in accordance with relevant regulations. Failure to comply with the orders may result in penalties such as fines, notation of the violation on the building register, and various restrictions on permits and approvals.

A district official stated, “There have been cases where individuals impersonate public officials and demand money to overlook building violations. Please be especially cautious and verify official identification if similar incidents occur.”

Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “We ask residents to actively cooperate with the inspections to ensure a safe and clean Geumcheon-gu,” and added, “We will continue to strive to eradicate illegal construction activities through accurate inspections and maintenance.”