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UNESCO Tells Seoul to Pause Sewoon High-Rises Near Jongmyo for Heritage Impact Review

The Korea Heritage Service has designated a World Heritage zone around Jongmyo to strengthen oversight.

This file photo taken Nov. 11, 2025, shows Jongmyo Shrine surrounded by buildings in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
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)
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This file photo taken on Nov. 11, 2025, shows Jongmyo Shrine and the Sewun District 4 redevelopment area located across from the shrine. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • UNESCO’s World Heritage Center sent an official letter warning of potential damage to Jongmyo’s landscape, urging a Heritage Impact Assessment and suspension of approvals until a positive review is completed.
  • The Korea Heritage Service said the letter, relayed via Korea’s UNESCO delegation, requests a formal government response within one month and cites Sewoon District 4 across from the shrine as a priority concern.
  • KHS released simulations showing 145-meter towers would intrude on key sightlines from Jeongjeon and the main gate, stressing that the core issue is visual integrity rather than shadowing.
  • Following a new designation covering about 194,000 square meters across 91 parcels, KHS asserts authority to require impact reviews and proposed a joint consultation with Seoul and the Culture Ministry.
  • Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young pledged to use all lawful measures after the Supreme Court upheld Seoul’s ordinance change but affirmed KHS powers, while Mayor Oh Se-hoon defends taller limits as necessary and promises a 100-meter-wide green space.