South Korea's cultural heritage agency sharply criticized Seoul's decision to allow high-rise buildings near the historic Jongmyo Shrine, demanding a full reconsideration of the project to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site. The move is accused of unilaterally scrapping years of compromise. The feud reignited amid recent discoveries of Joseon Dynasty relics.
On January 26, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced it had received a consultation request from Seoul's Jongno Ward office regarding the city's decision to double the building height limit to 145 meters in the "Sewoon District 4" redevelopment area. This city-run project is located directly across from Jongmyo Shrine, which houses the memorial tablets of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) kings and queens.
In a statement, the KHS criticized the move, stating it "unilaterally scraps an existing compromise" reached after years of discussions among the agency, Seoul city government, and Jongno Ward. The heritage authority argued that the entire project must be reconsidered to preserve the shrine's historical landscape.
While Seoul authorities argue the redevelopment will revitalize the district with new open green spaces, officials claim it could undermine the UNESCO World Heritage site's integrity. On Monday, the KHS highlighted recent discoveries of Joseon-era relics, including an ancient road and a village gate known as an "imun," at the site. Under current law, construction cannot proceed until excavations are complete, but the Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corporation's preservation plan has been deemed too vague, suspending the review.
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has recommended suspending the project and conducting a full heritage impact assessment. The KHS urged the Seoul metropolitan government to respond to UNESCO's letter by Friday, warning that failure to do so would prompt a request for an immediate on-site inspection. Seoul maintains the site does not fall under the legal scope for such an assessment, leaving both sides deadlocked.
