Cultural Heritage Agency to Revoke Development Approval for Seun 4 District

South Korea's Intangible Cultural Heritage Administration is moving to cancel the development approval for the Seun 4 District redevelopment project, following the Jongno District's official notice of the plan's approval. This action comes after the administration had previously stated it would take measures if the approval gained administrative effect.

The administration is preparing to take follow-up actions based on Article 188 of the Local Autonomy Act. This article allows the relevant minister to order corrective measures or request the cancellation or suspension of a local government's actions if they violate laws or significantly harm the public interest. An official from the administration stated they are reviewing the necessary procedures and will act quickly.

However, the future direction of the project remains uncertain and could be influenced by the responses of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Jongno District. Reports suggest Seoul is considering a World Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) to preserve the value of the Jongmyo Shrine. While the Intangible Cultural Heritage Administration proceeds with the revocation, they are not ruling out the possibility of resuming discussions if Seoul and Jongno District propose new adjustments.

The Local Autonomy Act also allows the head of a local government to file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court if they disagree with the minister's decision. This legal avenue could become relevant if the dispute escalates.

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As the notice was issued on the 19th, we plan to prepare the next steps quickly.