What Supreme Court's heritage ruling means for Seoul, Korea’s cultural legacy

In a decision with far-reaching implications for urban development and cultural preservation, the Supreme Court has upheld a Seoul city ordinance relaxing development restrictions near UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Jongmyo Shrine. The ruling strengthens cities’ right to shape urban planning ― in Seoul and beyond ― and limits the reach of national heritage authorities while triggering concerns over the future of Korea’s most treasured sites and its cultural legacy. For Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is expected to seek another term in next year’s local election, it is a major political win. On Thursday, the court validated a revised city ordinance, passed two years ago, which permits taller construction in areas outside the 100-meter preservation zone designated for national heritage sites. This means that city authorities do not need approval from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), a central government entity, for urban development as long as they do so outside the buffer zones. With the ruling, the long-delayed redevelopment of “Sewoon District 4” now can proceed. TWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times