The Mokdong reconstruction complexes have called for the transfer of Gimpo Airport. This is because the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is proposing a revision of altitude restriction standards for the first time in 70 years, which may include Mokdong reconstruction complexes that previously were not subject to altitude restrictions under its influence. Concerned that the reconstruction projects may face setbacks, the Mokdong complexes are opposing either the transfer of Gimpo Airport or the application of the ICAO's proposed revisions in their original form in Korea.
According to the maintenance industry on the 28th, 14 Mokdong complexes in the process of reconstruction are expected to visit the district assembly office in the afternoon to present a petition opposing the ICAO's international standard revision. It is reported that more than 5,000 residents participated in this petition. A representative from the Mokdong reconstruction preparation committee said, "We will meet with the district assembly member in the afternoon after collecting signatures from residents to express our opinions on the ICAO's altitude restriction standard revision."
The ICAO, a specialized agency under the United Nations that oversees civil aviation technology, transport, and facilities, fully revised the 'Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)' standards in March. The main content involves relaxing the stringent regulation on the creation of obstacles such as buildings that were uniformly applied under the existing 'Limitation Surface' (OLS) and dividing it into 'Prohibited Surface' (OFS) and 'Evaluation Surface' (OES). The revised regulations will take effect on the 4th of next month, with full implementation scheduled for Nov. 21, 2030.
If the proposed changes are implemented in Korea, an area with a radius of about 11 to 13 kilometers from Gimpo Airport will be classified as an evaluation surface. In this area, altitude restrictions of 45, 60, and 90 meters can be imposed. Therefore, Mokdong in Yangcheon-gu will also likely be included in the assessment and subject to altitude restrictions.
Mokdong complexes, where reconstruction projects are actively underway, are expressing their opposition, believing that the application of altitude restrictions will complicate their projects. All complexes from 1 to 14 in Mokdong are pursuing reconstruction, with many attempting to raise the height of their apartments to 180 meters (49 stories). If this regulation is applied, the plans of Mokdong reconstruction complexes may inevitably face setbacks.
In their petition, the Mokdong reconstruction complexes stated, "If these standards are applied to Korea, most areas in the western part of the metropolitan area, including Mokdong in Yangcheon-gu, Mapo, Yeongdeungpo, and Eunpyeong, will be newly included in altitude restriction regulations, making reconstruction and redevelopment difficult and severely infringing on residents' property rights and opportunities for improving their living environment. Therefore, we clearly oppose the ICAO's proposed amendments being applied in their original form in Korea."
Accordingly, the Mokdong reconstruction complexes are requesting the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to express a government-level opposition to the ICAO's proposed amendments or to transfer Gimpo Airport.
The Mokdong reconstruction complexes emphasized in their petition that Gimpo Airport, which significantly hinders development in the southwestern part of Seoul, should be transferred, and "the Ministry of Land must officially submit a clear opposition stance in the international opinion-gathering process regarding the ICAO's proposed amendments."
In particular, the Mokdong reconstruction complexes urged the city of Seoul to come up with countermeasures. They said, "The city of Seoul and relevant local governments should recognize this matter as a common task for the entire metropolitan area, not just a problem for individual autonomous districts, and actively establish a cooperative response system for regulatory reduction."
Seoul City is also planning to prepare countermeasures given that this issue affects existing city development plans. The city has activated a task force (TF) to respond to the ICAO international standard revision. Seoul's basic stance is that if operational safety can be secured, significant regulatory relaxation should be achieved in accordance with the intent of the proposed amendments. Seoul plans to convey the proposals prepared by the TF to the Ministry of Land. The TF includes relevant local governments from Gangseo-gu and Yangcheon-gu in Seoul, as well as Gimpo and Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province, and Gyeyang-gu in Incheon, along with an air traffic controllers' association and aviation experts.