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Supreme Court Backs Seoul Ordinance Clearing Path for High-Rises Near Jongmyo

Heritage authorities warn the redevelopment could jeopardize the shrine’s UNESCO standing.

In this file photo, officials participate in an annual royal ancestral ritual at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul on May 4, 2025, known as "Jongmyo Daeje." The ritual honors the past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Renovated main hall of Jongmyo Shrine
Image
Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young (L, front) and Huh Min (R, front), chief of the Korea Heritage Service, visit Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Seoul, for a press conference on Nov. 7, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The court upheld a 2023 Seoul rule change and concluded the Cultural Heritage Act does not require Korea Heritage Service consultation for areas outside the 100-meter preservation zone.
  • The ruling is final because challenges to local ordinances are decided in a single Supreme Court trial.
  • Seoul’s updated plan for Sewoon District 4 raises height caps to about 101 meters along Jongno and up to roughly 141.9–145 meters along Cheonggyecheon, with the site about 180 meters from Jongmyo.
  • Korea Heritage Service chief Huh Min and Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young criticized the plan, warned of possible risk to UNESCO status, and signaled moves ranging from legal revisions to coordination with UNESCO and ICOMOS.
  • City officials welcomed the decision, arguing the project is outside the preservation zone and outlining features such as a green corridor park to accompany the long-delayed redevelopment.