The Ministry of National Defense has demanded the installation of anti-aircraft defense facilities in some associations pursuing super-high-rise residential renovation projects (reconstruction). This requirement arose because the Seoul City permits apartments taller than 50 stories, leading to a situation where the military's anti-aircraft defense firing net is obstructed by the buildings.
According to the Seoul City on the 10th, the Ministry of National Defense recently conveyed the results of the 'Military Base and Military Facility Protection Review Committee evaluation,' indicating that several renovation project associations in Seoul need to establish anti-air defense positions. A Seoul official noted, "With the establishment of super-high-rise apartments over 50 stories being pursued, the existing military anti-air defense firing net is being obstructed. Consequently, due to apartment complexes located in the line of fire, the military has found it necessary to replace its anti-air positions, and as an alternative, these positions need to be established at the upper levels of the super-high apartments."
According to the Military Base and Military Facility Protection Act, if construction occurs within the anti-aircraft defense cooperation zone at a designated height (77 to 257 meters), a building permit must be obtained reflecting the military base and military facility protection review results.
Currently, it is reported that five reconstruction associations are designated for the establishment of these positions. The height standards requiring military approval vary by region and are considered confidential, thus not disclosed.
The reason this issue arose is that the Seoul City did not accurately identify the locations of the military's anti-air defense positions and abolished the 35-story rule for apartments. Last January, the city officially announced the abolition of the height limitation of 35 stories applied to apartments in the Seoul area when it confirmed and publicized the urban master plan. The '35-story rule' was established during the tenure of former Mayor Park Won-soon in 2013 to protect sunlight and scenic views, limiting residential building heights in the third-class residential area to under 35 stories, which was also reflected in the '2030 Seoul Urban Master Plan.' However, the Seoul City abolished it while finalizing and publicizing the 2040 master plan.
As a result, super-high-rise apartment reconstruction projects are being pursued in some large redevelopment sites in Gangnam and Yeouido. Reconstruction is being carried out for super-high-rise buildings under 290 meters in areas 3 to 5 of Apgujeong. Projects include the reconstruction of high-rise apartments at Sibeom (65 stories), Mokhwa (60 stories), Jinju (57 stories), and Sujeong (49 stories).