Overview
- The Korea Heritage Service formally designated about 194,000 square meters around Jongmyo as a World Heritage district covering 91 parcels, approved by its Cultural Heritage Committee in Seoul.
- The agency said it plans to complete remaining administrative procedures by December and urged the city to carry out a World Heritage Impact Assessment under national law.
- The step adds procedural hurdles for Seoul’s Sewoon District 4 redevelopment next to Jongmyo following a recent Supreme Court ruling that favored relaxed height limits.
- Heritage chief Huh Min, Culture Minister Chae Hwi‑young and Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok have criticized the project, with officials signaling a push for special legislation in the National Assembly.
- The dispute is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of the May 2026 local elections, and UNESCO has not issued a position on possible risks to Jongmyo’s listing.