Scenic Zone Designations

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The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to scrap scenic zone designations within the capital region for the first time in 53 years. Related regulations had restricted land use and how tall buildings could be constructed, among other restraints. Accordingly, limitations on the number of floors for some 300 locations in downtown Seoul will be eased or abolished.

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Here on this 3 kilometer wide section adjacent to a road, buildings can go up four stories high. The area has been a designated a scenic zone since 1976, a measure aimed to preserve the living environment as well as the local history and culture. However, that's about to change. A more relaxed new designation will allow new buildings to have up to six floors.

[Soundbite] Yang Hee-wuk(Realtor) : "The new measure can raise expectations for investors and property owners."

For the first time in 53 years, the Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to scrap its scenic zone designation and related restrictions on the height and use of structures. 313 out of the current 336 scenic zones will see restrictions abolished entirely. Restrictions will be alleviated for 23 locations under a new less stringent designation. With the rules lifted, there will be no limits to the number of floors or land use, allowing construction of structures like printing firms or warehouses. Last month, similar regulations were also scrapped in four locations including height limits for buildings near Gimpo airport.

[Soundbite] Prof. Sim Gyo-eon(Konkuk Univ.) : "The deregulation is meaningful in terms of fostering conditions for the private sector to be able to adjust the supply volume depending on economic conditions."

In 2018, Seoul City was under fire for its proposed plan to redevelop the Yeouido and Yongsan areas. This year, it's been laying out a series of deregulatory and urban regeneration measures.