Overview
- The Cultural Heritage Committee approved a World Heritage district around Jongmyo covering about 194,000 square meters across 91 parcels, with remaining procedures slated for completion by December.
- Under the Special Act, the designation defines the zone for World Heritage impact assessments and empowers the Korea Heritage Service to request evaluations of nearby projects.
- Seoul City countered that Jongmyo lacks a long-discussed buffer zone and argued there is no concrete legal or administrative basis or methodology to conduct the assessment.
- A Supreme Court ruling on Nov. 6 upheld a city ordinance easing height limits near Jongmyo, preserving a parallel legal pathway for the Sewoon District 4 redevelopment.
- Heritage experts warn taller buildings could undermine Jongmyo’s authenticity and risk its UNESCO status, while UNESCO has not commented and the dispute is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of the May 2026 elections.