Seoul’s Skyline Under Threat: Experts Warn High-Rise Development Jeopardizes Jongmyo Shrine’s World Heritage Status
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Seoul’s delicate balance between modernization and preservation is facing a critical test as plans for a high-rise building in the Seun District 4 redevelopment project threaten the “visual integrity” of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Jongmyo Shrine. Concerns are mounting that the project, championed by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, could jeopardize the shrine’s protected status and irrevocably damage a vital piece of Korean history and cultural identity.
A Shrine Rooted in Korean History
Jongmyo Shrine, established in 1392, holds a unique position in Korean heritage. Unlike many national shrines, it continues to host ancestral rites – “respects” – paid to deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, the Korean Empire, and the Republic of Korea. As Hwang Pyeong-woo, director of the Korean Cultural Heritage Policy Institute, explained, “Jongmyo is not the history of a past era, but an unchangeable part of our history and culture that has connected and preserved… Korea.” This continuous practice, coupled with the shrine’s architectural harmony with its surroundings, led to its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1995, with visual integrity identified as a core value.
The Seun District 4 Controversy
The current dispute centers on a revised plan for the Seun District 4 redevelopment, which now includes the construction of a high-rise building. This decision, despite easing height restrictions, has sparked criticism regarding the lack of a robust mechanism to recoup excess profits from private developers. Pyeong-woo argues that the situation echoes historical injustices, stating that building a skyscraper that harms the landscape in front of Jongmyo Shrine is “the same as the Japanese imperialists did by turning Changgyeonggung Palace into a zoo and locking up our history and culture.”
The land ownership within the district further complicates the issue. Approximately 70% is held by the Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corporation (SH), 20% by small landowners, and 10% by the redevelopment company, Hanho Construction. Pyeong-woo suggests this distribution casts doubt on the legitimacy of claims made by those advocating for high-rise development, asserting that the Seoul Metropolitan Government and SH are “cleverly creating controversy” by framing the project as a solution to long-delayed financial losses.
UNESCO’s Warning and Potential Repercussions
The potential consequences extend beyond national pride. UNESCO has previously expressed concerns about urban development encroaching on Jongmyo Shrine’s protected areas. Generally, a 500-meter conservation area and a 500-meter buffer zone are established around World Heritage Sites. While Jongmyo’s initial preservation area was set at 100 meters in 1995, based on the belief that further development was unlikely, Seoul has continued high-rise construction despite repeated warnings. Pyeong-woo warns that continued disregard for UNESCO’s concerns could lead to a “big nose injury” – a potential cancellation of the shrine’s World Heritage listing.
Questioning the Mayor’s Motives and Seeking Alternative Solutions
Pyeong-woo also leveled criticism at Mayor Oh Se-hoon, suggesting his push for the high-rise project stems from a “propaganda addiction” and a desire to create a large-scale legacy. He characterized the mayor’s actions as suffering from “presidential disease,” prioritizing personal opinions over broader public intelligence, and potentially using the project to deflect attention from other controversies.
Instead, Pyeong-woo advocates for low-density development in the Seun District 4 area, envisioning a space that blends history, culture, and economic activity, allowing citizens to “live while looking at the sky rather than a tall building.” He proposes a “floor area ratio trading system” to address financial losses, allowing developers to sell unused development rights to other areas. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of preserving any archaeological relics unearthed during the redevelopment, valuing them even more highly than the existing structures in the Pimatgol district of Jongno.
A Call for Critical Journalism
Pyeong-woo concluded with a plea for more rigorous media scrutiny, urging journalists to question the narratives presented by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Hanho Construction. He specifically criticized the dissemination of unverified information, such as private letters sent to reporters, and the lack of critical inquiry into the ownership and potential sale of land held by Hanho Construction. He expressed confidence in the investigative reporting capabilities of outlets like Hankyoreh 21, encouraging them to continue asking “Why?” and holding those in power accountable.
