Prime Minister Kim Min-seok sharpened national attention on heritage protection Monday as he rejected Seoul’s plan to allow high-rise redevelopment near Jongmyo Shrine. His opposition immediately intensified political debate, since the shrine remains one of the country’s most valued UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Kim said the Seoul city government moved too aggressively by easing height restrictions around Jongmyo. He argued that the plan ignores the cultural importance of the shrine and disrupts heritage protection efforts that should guide any nearby construction. He also noted that large towers so close to Jongmyo would damage the site’s historic landscape.
His comments came after the Supreme Court upheld a revised Seoul ordinance that raised building height limits in the area. As a result, the Sewoon District 4 redevelopment project gained a clearer path forward. The plan seeks to build a tall mixed-use complex only 180 meters from the shrine. Under the new limits, buildings near Jongno may rise to 101 meters, and those near Cheonggye Stream may reach 145 meters.
Although the ruling strengthened the city’s position, Kim insisted that development choices must consider long-term cultural and visual impacts. He said cultural assets carry national meaning and deserve strong protection. Moreover, he criticized the city for moving ahead without deeper engagement with the public.
Kim then linked this dispute to other recent controversies, including the Han River bus project. He said both cases show a pattern of hurried decision-making. Consequently, he pledged to order a central review of laws governing construction near historic sites. He added that new rules should prevent situations where economic goals outweigh heritage protection.
Several cultural experts backed his stance. They warned that large buildings near UNESCO sites can draw international criticism. They also said that protecting historic surroundings strengthens tourism value and national credibility.
As discussions continue, analysts expect more negotiation between the central government and Seoul City Hall. They believe lawmakers may pursue tighter zoning rules and clearer construction guidelines for culturally sensitive zones. Through these efforts, Kim aims to ensure that heritage protection shapes future redevelopment decisions, not the other way around.
