By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Seoul and other major cities across the nation will see a new skyline as the construction of 12 skyscrapers with over 100 stories is underway.
These buildings will stand at least 400 meters high, according to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.
Seoul alone will have six skyscrapers, including Dream Tower, with 152 stories at a height of 620 meters in Yongsan, and the second Lotte World building in Jamsil. In the nation's largest port city, Busan, four skyscrapers will be constructed, including Busan Lotte World, 120 and 510 meters high.
Korea is expected to outrun other nations in terms of number of skyscrapers with over 100 stories if all these towers are completed. Currently, the United Arab Emirates has six skyscrapers of a similar scale, followed by the United States with four and China with one.
Such constructions are expected to become a landmark and serve as a new source of tourism and regional economic growth. The existence of such high buildings also helps its neighborhood become better developed.
Some are concerned they may be hazardous in the face of natural or human disasters such as earthquakes and fire.
``We have basic guidelines for the construction of skyscrapers, which consider the city's overall appearance and safety,'' an official from the Seoul City Government said.
Another problem might be financing the construction.
The construction of buildings with more than 50 stories requires approximately twice the budget as those with fewer than 50. They also require high-tech methods of construction with the combination of various industries.
Consequently, projects for the construction of skyscrapers face difficulties in finding business partners or forming consortiums.
Some of the projects are pending due to finance issues, such as the construction of a skyscraper in Junggu, downtown Seoul, and a tour resort complex in Haeundae, Busan.
e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr
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