Cultural Heritage Administration: "We Respect Supreme Court Ruling... Will Strive to Preserve Jongmyo's World Heritage Status"

Supreme Court Rules Seoul's Eased Development Ordinance Lawful

Jongmyo Yeongnyeongjeon. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration

On November 6, the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We respect the court's ruling," in response to the Supreme Court's decision that the Seoul Metropolitan Government ordinance easing development regulations near Jongmyo is lawful. The agency added, "We will ensure that Jongmyo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, does not lose its World Heritage status due to development."

The Supreme Court's First Division ruled against the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism seeking to nullify the Seoul Metropolitan Council's resolution to partially amend the 'Seoul Metropolitan City Cultural Heritage Protection Ordinance.' Last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government removed the provision requiring consultation with the Cultural Heritage Administration for construction activities outside 100 meters from Jongmyo. In response, the Cultural Heritage Administration objected, citing violations of higher laws and the omission of required consultation procedures.

The debate over the preservation of Jongmyo is also intertwined with the recent redevelopment plan for the Sewoon District 4 area. The Seoul Metropolitan Government raised the maximum building height in Sewoon District 4, which is about 180 meters from Jongmyo, from 71.9 meters to 141.9 meters, maintaining the position that "it is outside the 100-meter preservation zone and therefore not subject to regulation."

In contrast, the Cultural Heritage Administration is concerned that the construction of high-rise buildings could affect the landscape of Jongmyo and its World Heritage value. The agency argues that if buildings up to 145 meters tall are constructed, there could be a negative impact on the 'Outstanding Universal Value' (OUV) for which Jongmyo was recognized as a World Heritage Site.

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, UNESCO sent a letter to the Seoul Metropolitan Government in April of this year, stating that the Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion Plan could have a negative impact on Jongmyo and requesting the implementation of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA).

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "As Jongmyo is one of Korea's first World Heritage Sites, we will strengthen cooperation with the international community and prepare necessary measures."