Regarding the redevelopment of Sewoon District 4 in front of Jongmyo Shrine, UNESCO recommended that an impact assessment be conducted, but the Seoul Metropolitan Government expressed a negative stance toward undergoing a World Heritage Impact Assessment.
On the 17th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government issued a statement saying, "We express deep regret that the head of the National Heritage Administration has repeatedly raised the possibility of damage to the Jongmyo landscape and continues to pressure us to conduct a World Heritage Impact Assessment."
The city further emphasized, "The National Heritage Administration did not even designate the 'World Heritage Zone,' which is a legal prerequisite for carrying out a World Heritage Impact Assessment, and only belatedly designated it after the redevelopment of Sewoon District 4 became a contentious issue. They failed to fulfill their original duties for a long time and only took action targeting a specific project of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, effectively admitting this themselves."
The city also pointed out that it is problematic that even after 30 years since Jongmyo Shrine was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Heritage Administration has not finalized the 'buffer zone,' which serves as the baseline for protection. The city stated, "In this situation, repeatedly demanding only the Seoul Metropolitan Government to carry out the World Heritage Impact Assessment raises doubts about the sincerity of the National Heritage Administration's commitment to preserving Jongmyo Shrine."
Earlier that day, Heo Min, head of the National Heritage Administration, held a press briefing and stated, "We recently received a message from UNESCO strongly urging action." He continued, "UNESCO explicitly expressed concern that the development of high-rise buildings could damage Jongmyo Shrine and recommended that an impact assessment be conducted. They also specified that project approval should be suspended until a positive review of the World Heritage Impact Assessment is completed."
The city reiterated its position that the redevelopment of Sewoon District 4 will enhance the surroundings of Jongmyo Shrine. The city explained, "The massive green axis stretching from Namsan to Jongmyo Shrine and the three-dimensional urban landscape formed on either side will make the area around Jongmyo Shrine, currently blocked by shanty buildings, stand out even more. We have already verified through precise simulations and the adoption of architectural designs that harmonize with Jongmyo Shrine that there will be no damage to the landscape."
However, while welcoming the proposal from the National Heritage Administration to hold a meeting of relevant agencies, the city also demanded the participation of local resident representatives. The city urged, "Representatives of the Jongno district residents, who have suffered for decades due to development delays, should also participate to ensure a balanced discussion structure involving the public, private sector, and experts, rather than a one-sided stance from a particular agency."
The city added, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government makes it clear that preserving cultural heritage and securing the city's future competitiveness are not matters of choice, but two pillars that must be pursued simultaneously. We strongly request the responsible cooperation of the National Heritage Administration."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
