Gangnam District to Launch Full-Scale Legalization of Unauthorized Building Extensions

Gangnam District to Legalize 1,765 Unauthorized Buildings
Following Seoul's Amendment to Floor Area Ratio Ordinance

Gangnam District in Seoul is moving forward with the legalization of unauthorized extensions on small buildings, following the revision of the Seoul City Urban Planning Ordinance.

To revive the sluggish construction sector and improve substandard residential environments, Seoul City has amended its ordinance to increase the floor area ratio for small buildings in Type 2 and Type 3 general residential zones from 200% to 250% and from 250% to 300%, respectively. This amendment has been in effect since May 19.

Gangnam District Office exterior. Provided by Gangnam District Office.

This ordinance will be applied temporarily for the next three years and covers small-scale reconstruction projects (on sites less than 10,000 square meters), redevelopment projects (on sites less than 5,000 square meters), and voluntary housing maintenance projects (with fewer than 36 households). However, buildings that violate sunlight rights, have horizontal extensions exceeding the building coverage ratio, or do not meet parking facility requirements are not eligible for legalization.

In response, Gangnam District will promote the legalization of 1,765 unauthorized buildings that received building permits after July 2003 but were expanded without permission. The district also plans to provide consultations for cases of violations due to major repairs and encourage the use of the new system.

The district will send individual notification letters by mail to owners of eligible buildings and will strengthen publicity through various channels, including the website, digital signage at the district office, and pamphlets at local community centers. In addition, a “Mobile Architectural Civil Service Support Center” will visit ten community centers in rotation during the second and third weeks of each month, offering consultations on new construction, extensions, remodeling, and guidance on rectifying illegal buildings. On-site consulting will also be provided in cooperation with the Gangnam District Architects Association.

Gangnam District Mayor Cho Sungmyung stated, “This legalization measure is a valuable opportunity to protect property rights and promote residential stability for residents who have faced inconveniences such as restrictions on financial loans and business licenses due to building violations. We also expect the increase in construction activity to help revitalize the stagnant small-scale construction sector.”