Seoul to Regulate Building Construction
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will not allow the construction of buildings in the capital that it deems as unsuitable for the surrounding environment, beginning next year. It will also introduce stricter rules regarding exterior lighting.
The city's move to regulate construction comes as part of its project to upgrade its image and cityscape, by restricting reckless developments and reviving Seoul's unique and traditional beauty.
``We've come up with a framework to systematically control the basic cityscape and environment as part of steps to make the capital more beautiful,'' said Youn Hyeok-kyung, director of the cityscape division at SMG. ``The new regulations will govern not only building designs and colors but also the overall cityscape.''
Seoul will put stricter restrictions on the construction of new buildings around major mountains such as Mt. Bukak, Mt. Inwang, Mt. Namsan and Mt. Naksan. Builders will be banned from using luminous and other construction materials that might spoil the landscape of surrounding areas.
At the same time, SMG will be more picky about buildings to be built downtown, including Sejong Street, Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market. The city will control the height and basic arrangement of buildings in these central capital areas.
The new regulations will also cover the installment of lighting and advertisements.
``Lightings and signboards have reached an annoying level. We are going to keep them from further damaging the cityscape,'' Youn said.
SMG will collect feedback from a hearing of the city council and confirm the new regulations by the end of the year for implementation in 2009.