Only "Let's Hold a Meeting" on a Single Page
Cultural Heritage Administration: "Lacks Responsibility"
Although UNESCO has put a halt to the high-rise redevelopment project in front of Jongmyo Shrine, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has not provided a proper response for a month.
The Cultural Heritage Administration stated on the 22nd, "On the 17th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government sent a one-page official letter, but it only said 'let's have a meeting.' It did not include the materials or the official position that UNESCO had requested." Although the city finally responded after a month, it was not a substantive answer.
In mid-November, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre expressed concerns that a building up to 145 meters tall could be constructed in Sewoon District 4, across from Jongmyo Shrine. UNESCO requested a heritage impact assessment and demanded that project approval be suspended until the assessment review was completed. The organization also set a deadline of one month for a response.
The Cultural Heritage Administration sent two official letters to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, on November 17 and December 3, urging the submission of the requested materials. However, aside from the suggestion to hold a coordination meeting, no concrete answer was received. Heo Min, Director of the Cultural Heritage Administration, stated, "This cannot be considered a reply to UNESCO's request," and called on the Seoul Metropolitan Government to take a more responsible approach.
Heo Min, Director of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Responds to Questions Regarding Jongmyo Issues - Yonhap News
In 2018, the Seoul Metropolitan Government reached an agreement with residents and business owners to limit building heights to a maximum of 71.9 meters. The recently announced range of 101 to 145 meters nearly doubles that agreement. Director Heo expressed regret, stating, "If the original agreement had been upheld, this situation would not have occurred." He also said he "cannot understand" why the Seoul Metropolitan Government has referred to the Cultural Heritage Administration's regulatory measures as a "law killing northern Seoul."
The Jongmyo Shrine controversy may become an agenda item at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting scheduled to be held in Busan in July next year. Director Heo noted, "The World Heritage Centre is also taking this matter very seriously."
The Cultural Heritage Administration is preparing a response to UNESCO and plans to hold meetings with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
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