Heritage preservation experts have urged the Seoul metropolitan government to conduct a thorough Heritage Impact Assessment for a highly controversial redevelopment project located directly across from Jongmyo Shrine, one of South Korea's most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Korean National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, known as ICOMOS Korea, issued a formal statement warning that uncontrolled construction in the area could seriously compromise the historical integrity and cultural landscape of the ancient shrine.
ICOMOS Korea has proposed establishing a collaborative review process that would bring together the Seoul metropolitan government, the Korea Heritage Service, and independent heritage experts to thoroughly examine the potential impacts of redeveloping the Sewun District 4 area. The committee emphasized that this joint assessment should also explore alternative development plans that could balance urban growth needs with heritage preservation requirements.
The controversy erupted last month when Seoul city officials approved a dramatic increase in the building height limit for the Sewun District 4 area, raising it to 145 meters – more than double the previous restriction. This decision has created a significant standoff between local and central government authorities, with each side presenting fundamentally different views on how the development would affect the historic shrine's surroundings.
Central government officials argue that constructing ultra-high-rise buildings in such close proximity to Jongmyo Shrine would severely diminish the site's historical landscape and visual integrity. In contrast, Seoul city authorities contend that the redevelopment project would actually enhance the area by introducing expansive green spaces and improving the overall environment rather than detracting from the shrine's historic character.
Jongmyo Shrine holds immense cultural and historical significance as the repository for the ancestral tablets of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family, which ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910. The shrine earned recognition as one of Korea's earliest UNESCO World Heritage sites when it was officially inscribed on the prestigious list in 1995, acknowledging its outstanding universal value to humanity.
In their official statement, which was adopted following a board meeting held on Sunday, ICOMOS Korea emphasized the critical importance of following proper international procedures. "The state party, namely the Korea Heritage Service, should officially notify the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and conduct an impact assessment with the participation of the Seoul city, the KHS and experts," the organization declared.
The heritage experts described a joint heritage impact assessment and the activation of formal international consultation processes as "the most effective solution" to resolve the ongoing dispute between different levels of government. This statement represents the committee's first official position on the contentious issue, marking a significant intervention in the debate.
ICOMOS Korea characterized their recommended approach as "a balanced process grounded in scientific evidence, international standards, urban development goals, and community needs." The committee stressed that conducting a heritage impact assessment should not be viewed as an attempt to halt development entirely, but rather as an internationally recognized tool for making rational, well-informed decisions about projects that could affect cultural heritage sites.
"What matters now is not who is right, but the proper activation of international procedures," the committee emphasized, calling for a focus on established protocols rather than political positioning. This statement reflects the organization's commitment to evidence-based decision-making in heritage preservation matters.
ICOMOS serves as a crucial UNESCO advisory body responsible for assessing World Heritage nominations and monitoring conservation efforts worldwide. The organization brings together approximately 10,000 heritage experts from more than 130 countries, making it one of the most authoritative voices in international heritage preservation. ICOMOS Korea, which was established in 1999, specifically focuses on advising government agencies and other stakeholders on the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites within South Korea, ensuring that the country's valuable historical assets are protected for future generations.
