Yangcheon-gu to Conduct On-site Inspections of 5,218 Suspected Illegal Buildings Identified via Aerial Photos

Corrective Orders and Compulsory Fines for Confirmed Violations
Support for Legalization Through the Consultation Center

The Yangcheon-gu District Office in Seoul (headed by District Mayor Lee Kijae) announced on February 8 that it will conduct a full inspection by the end of June this year on 5,218 buildings suspected of being illegal structures, identified through aerial photo interpretation. This inspection is a preemptive measure to prevent safety accidents such as fires and collapses caused by indiscriminate illegal construction activities.

An official from Yangcheon-gu is conducting an on-site inspection of a building based on the aerial survey interpretation results. Provided by Yangcheon-gu.

The key inspection targets are: unauthorized extensions of verandas, rooftops, and terraces; illegal expansion of business spaces using tents or steel structures; and unauthorized construction of temporary buildings. All construction activities carried out without the permits or notifications required under the Building Act are subject to violation.

The on-site inspection will be conducted by an inspection team composed of responsible public officials, who will compare and cross-check the actual sites against the building registry and current condition drawings. If a violation is confirmed as a result of the inspection, the owner will be given two corrective orders, and a compulsory performance fine will be imposed in case of non-compliance. However, if ex post facto approval or notification is possible, the district plans to provide guidance on the relevant procedures to minimize any disadvantages.

Meanwhile, in line with the revision of the Seoul City Urban Planning Ordinance, which temporarily relaxes the floor area ratio for Type 2 and Type 3 general residential areas until May 18, 2028, the district is operating a "Consultation Center for Legalization of Illegal Buildings."

Experts including architects from the Yangcheon-gu Architects Association are participating to provide free one-on-one consultations, covering everything from diagnosing violations to the procedures for legalization. The consultation center operates from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Civil Service Lounge of the Architecture Division on the 6th floor of the Yangcheon-gu District Office.

Yangcheon-gu District Mayor Lee Kijae stated, "This on-site inspection is a preemptive measure to protect residents' precious lives and safety by preventing fires and collapse accidents caused by indiscriminate illegal buildings," adding, "We will create a safe and orderly urban environment by combining fair and thorough inspections with institutional support."