Whether to build a 103-story supertall tower planned for Songdo International City in Incheon is expected to be decided based on a flight safety review for Incheon Airport, with the related studies set to be completed in July.
According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority on the 5th, the "supertall tower flight safety review" commissioned by Bluecore PFV, the developer of Songdo Districts 6 and 8, and a second verification study requested by the Seoul Regional Office of Aviation will be completed around the same time.
The review targets a 420-meter-tall, 103-story-above-ground tower, and, given its proximity to Incheon Airport, whether aircraft takeoffs and landings can be kept safe is the key issue. In particular, impacts on operations are being analyzed under emergency scenarios such as bad weather or engine malfunctions.
The review also reflects future expansion plans, including Incheon Airport's fifth runway and third passenger terminal, and a total of 16 items—such as flight procedure safety, air traffic control systems, airport operating efficiency, and noise impacts—were included in the evaluation.
Previously, the 448-meter Cheongna City Tower, within the impact area of Gimpo Airport, underwent an aviation safety review and was found to be able to maintain its originally planned height. However, for Songdo, which is closer to Incheon Airport, some say it is difficult to predict the outcome.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to make a final decision, based on the study results, on whether to proceed with the supertall tower as planned or adjust the building's height.