Jung-gu, central Seoul, has submitted an objection to the UNESCO World Heritage nomination of the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang, bearing signatures from more than 3,500 residents who fear the listing could delay redevelopment and limit property rights.
The district sent the signed statement to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 13 and to the Korea Heritage Service, UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites on Oct. 20, it said Wednesday.
The nomination, submitted in January by Seoul, the Korea Heritage Service and other local governments, covers Hanyangdoseong Fortress, Bukhansanseong Fortress and Tangchundaeseong Fortress.
The World Heritage Committee is expected to make its final decision on inscription at its 2027 session.
Residents are concerned that construction and redevelopment projects near the fortifications could face additional review if the site is inscribed.
The district says a 100-meter buffer zone would be established around the fortifications, requiring heritage impact assessments for projects within the zone.
It also says authorities could request assessments for projects outside it if they are considered likely to affect the heritage.
The district said such assessments could take one to three years, potentially delaying housing projects in areas including Shindang 9, 10 and 13, as well as a planned remodeling project at Namsan Town.
These are concerns cited by the district; the exact boundary and assessment requirements should be confirmed with the Korea Heritage Service.
The district said residents worry the listing could slow housing improvements after Seoul eased height restrictions around Namsan in 2024.
The wall runs through Jung-gu from Gwanghuimun Gate through Dasan-dong and Namsan toward Sungnyemun Gate, placing nearby housing and redevelopment areas at the center of the debate.
minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com