Sewoon District 4 residents file damages lawsuit worth $12.5M against government
Residents of Sewoon District 4 are suing the government for $12.5 million, claiming development restrictions harmed their finances.Summary
Residents of Sewoon District 4 in Seoul have filed a 16 billion won ($12.5 million) lawsuit against the government and officials from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), alleging that unnecessary development restrictions have caused significant financial losses. The dispute centers around claims that the redevelopment project encroaches on the view of Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The residents’ committee argues that the KHS repeatedly requested reviews despite no legal requirement, delaying the project and accumulating 725 billion won in debt with monthly costs exceeding 2 billion won. They emphasize that the project site is outside both the cultural heritage protection zone and the 100-meter buffer zone around the shrine. The KHS initially stated that separate reviews were not mandatory but later reversed its position, leading to further delays. The residents are demanding the government and KHS cease interference and allow construction to begin, stating, “The project site is clearly outside both the cultural heritage protection zone and the buffer zone.”
(Source：Koreajoongangdaily Joins News)