Political clash reemerges over Seoul's high-rise project near Jongmyo Shrine

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon answers questions from reporters as he arrives at Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Wednesday, to attend the continuation of the first-trial hearing on a case concerning opinion polling allegations. Yonhap

Reelected Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's drive to accelerate major redevelopment projects is facing its first major political test, as the incoming chief of Jongno District seeks to suspend approvals for a controversial high-rise development near the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine.

The Sewoon District 4 redevelopment project would permit the construction of a 142-meter tower opposite the centuries-old royal shrine, one of Korea's most significant cultural heritage sites.

According to Seoul city officials, the city's architectural committee approved the Sewoon District 4 redevelopment project's building safety impact assessment during a review meeting held on June 5, clearing one of the final procedural hurdles before construction can begin. With the city-level review process now complete, the remaining procedures include approval of the revised project implementation plan by the district office and a review of buried cultural heritage by the National Heritage Committee.

Jongno District Office had initially planned to decide by June 24 whether to approve revisions to the project's implementation plan. However, the decision is expected to be delayed following the recent local elections and the upcoming change in district leadership.

The project's future has become increasingly uncertain after ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate Yoo Chan-jong defeated incumbent Jongno District head Jeong Moon-heon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) in the June 3 local elections.

The site of Jongmyo Shrine, upper left side, and the vacant lot of the nearby Sewoon District 4 are seen in central Seoul, April 24, 2025, amid growing tensions between Seoul and heritage authorities over a proposed high-rise development near the UNESCO World Heritage site. Newsis

According to local media reports, Yoo instructed his transition team to suspend all licensing and permitting decisions until he formally takes office. Yoo has also argued that the ongoing approval process should be halted to allow for broader consideration of residents' views and cultural heritage concerns.

"The redevelopment project in front of Jongmyo requires careful deliberation and should reflect a range of opinions," Yoo said in a local media report, adding that any permitting issues would need to be discussed further with the Seoul city government.

Yoo also warned that if approval of the revised implementation plan proceeds before the current district chief's term expires, he would conduct an investigation into the decision-making process after taking office. Yoo's transition committee is scheduled to officially launch on June 16.

The dispute has also drawn attention from the central government. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety sent a directive to local governments nationwide on June 4, urging restraint in personnel appointments and major licensing decisions until newly elected officials assume office.

Separately, the Korea Heritage Service last month ordered the Seoul Metropolitcan Government, Jongno District Office and project developer Seoul Housing & Communities Corp. not to proceed with revisions to the implementation plan until a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is completed and its findings are reflected in the project. The agency has argued that the proposed increase in building height could damage the historic skyline surrounding Jongmyo.

A rendering of the proposed Sewoon redevelopment project provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Despite the deteriorating condition of the Sewoon area, its redevelopment has long faced delays, largely because of concerns over profitability. In an effort to spur investment, the city government significantly relaxed height restrictions in October last year, increasing allowable building heights along Jongno from 55 meters to 98.7 meters and along Cheonggye Stream from 71.9 meters to 141.9 meters.

The move immediately drew opposition from heritage authorities, which insisted that an HIA be conducted before the project moves forward. City officials have argued that the assessment process could take years and effectively stall development efforts.

The controversy is expected to become one of the first major tests of how Seoul's new political landscape may affect Oh's policy agenda.

The political environment has notably shifted following the local elections. Prior to the vote, the conservative PPP controlled 17 of Seoul's 25 district offices, compared with eight held by the DPK. The balance has now reversed, with DPK taking control of 17 districts and the PPP holding eight.