[Reporter’s Notebook] A Nation Where Even Redevelopment Becomes Political Strife

Sewoon District 4 Redevelopment at Risk of Collapse
Residents Suffer After '20 Years of Waiting'

"If the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the central government keep fighting, it's obvious that the redevelopment project will be delayed again. What are ordinary people like us supposed to do?"

At the press conference for Sewoon District 4 held in front of Jongmyo in Seoul on the 11th, a resident expressed their frustration in this way. The redevelopment of Sewoon District 4, which residents have waited over 20 years for, is now at risk of being derailed due to conflict between the city and the central government. "There have already been 100 people who passed away just waiting for redevelopment. We can no longer wait while suffering financial losses."

The redevelopment of Sewoon Shopping Center is an unavoidable reality. Concrete is falling from the ceiling of the shopping center, which was completed in 1968. Residents who have spent decades alongside the shopping center are now fighting a wait with no end in sight. After then-Seoul Mayor Lee Myungbak launched the redevelopment of areas near Sewoon Shopping Center during the Cheonggyecheon restoration in 2004, the project has passed through the first and second terms of Mayor Oh Sehoon and Mayor Park Wonsoon. During this time, the project has stalled, and assets such as land and stores have been tied up.

In Sewoon District 4, the city government, which wants to pursue redevelopment, is at odds with the central government, which aims to protect natural or cultural heritage. Recently, the conflict has intensified over a proposal to raise the maximum building height from 71.9 meters to 141.9 meters. The city proposed to use the additional profits from increased floor area ratio for demolition and the creation of green corridors, but the central government objected, insisting on the need to preserve the nearby Jongmyo Shrine.

The conflict between the city and the central government has now become a major political issue ahead of next year's local elections. A public opinion battle is underway between Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon and Prime Minister Kim Minseok, who may face off in the election. Even candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea for Seoul mayor have joined the so-called "Jongmyo Battle," sharpening the confrontation. There are few concrete alternatives and only political slogans, leaving little room for negotiation. This is why residents, who were sighing in frustration, are now declaring at press conferences that they are willing to resort to lawsuits.

The residents' representative meeting of Sewoon District 4 held a press conference on the 11th at Dasi Sewoon Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Lee Jungyoon

Many of the residents of Sewoon District 4 are elderly with gray hair. They are also facing economic hardship. Sixteen years ago, they relocated all their tenants and lost their rental income, and some have been forced to take out loans to cover living expenses due to project delays. This is also why they have flatly rejected the idea of conducting a World Heritage Impact Assessment.

Residents insist that they can no longer wait. They also argue that leaving Sewoon District 4, a prime location in the heart of Seoul, neglected behind a wall of bureaucracy is not in the best interest of citizens either. Reaching a swift conclusion would benefit both residents and the public. For this to happen, concrete proposals must be brought to the table. Only then can there be compromise or support for one side's position. However, there is little information on what the appropriate maximum height should be or how to secure funding for green corridors if the height is reduced.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also expressed regret that the issue has become a political conflict. The ministry says it is not opposed to redevelopment itself. The city also wants to resolve the issue. If there is such willingness, concrete solutions must be presented quickly. Compromise is possible only when both sides have clear arguments and evidence. Only then can residents who have waited for so long be compensated, and citizens be provided with a harmonious view of Jongmyo Shrine.