Jongmyo Redevelopment Dispute: Heritage Chief Warns of Further Action Without HIA

Heo Min, head of the Korea Heritage Service, said a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is necessary for a redevelopment project in front of Jongmyo in Seoul, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Yonhap News Agency, Heo said the project’s possible impact on the World Heritage property should be reviewed in advance. Because Jongmyo is a nationally significant heritage site listed by UNESCO, preservation value and landscape impact have become key issues in the redevelopment process. Heo said the agency could take additional measures if the project is pushed ahead without an impact assessment. The remarks indicate that World Heritage protection procedures may become a central standard in judging the redevelopment plan. Source: yna.co.kr