The Seoul Metropolitan Government asked the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to apply the previous rules to redevelopment and reconstruction projects already underway even if the height restriction standards around airports change in 2030. It is asking for a transitional provision that would recognize as exceptions the maintenance projects that obtained project implementation approval before the new standards are introduced in Korea. The move takes into account the possibility that apartment complexes in Mok-dong New Town in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, which are pushing for reconstruction up to 49 stories, could be included under the new regulations.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and others on the 10th, the city recently submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) the proposals discussed at the fifth task force (TF) meeting of related agencies on easing height restrictions for Gimpo Airport, held in July.
A Seoul city official said, "If the Airport Facilities Act and related regulations are revised to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the height plans of ongoing maintenance projects could conflict with the new standards," and added, "To protect trust in existing licensed projects, we conveyed the view that transitional provisions should be prepared so the previous standards can be applied within the scope that ensures aviation safety."
The ICAO is a specialized U.N. agency that oversees standards for technology, transport and facilities in international civil aviation. The ICAO revised its standards to divide the existing obstacle limitation surface (OLS) into an obstacle free surface (OFS) and an obstacle evaluation surface (OES). The revised standards took effect in Aug. 2025, and the provisions related to obstacle limitation surfaces will apply starting Nov. 21, 2030.
On the obstacle free surface, buildings that could affect aircraft operations are strictly restricted, while on the obstacle evaluation surface, each country can assess the impact of buildings by considering airport conditions and flight procedures. Although this opens the way to ease uniform height restrictions, the areas subject to evaluation could become larger than before.
Under current standards, building heights around Gimpo Airport are generally limited to under 45 meters within a 4-kilometer radius of the runway. If the revised standards are applied to Gimpo Airport, the obstacle evaluation surface would expand to a radius of up to more than 10 kilometers from the runway, and depending on the area, height limits of 45, 60 or 90 meters could be applied, according to some analyses. The specific scope and heights will be determined by the domestic detailed standards to be prepared by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT).
Accordingly, while Gangseo-gu, which has been subject to height restrictions, may see regulations eased, Mok-dong in Yangcheon-gu could newly be included in the evaluation area.
The 14 complexes in Mok-dong New Town are pushing for reconstruction to a maximum of 40 to 49 stories, with heights of 130 to 180 meters. If a 60-meter limit is applied to the Mok-dong area, plans may have to be lowered to about 17 stories, and if a 90-meter limit is applied, to about 25 to 30 stories. There are concerns that reducing the number of stories would decrease the share of general pre-sales units and hurt business viability.
All 14 Mok-dong complexes have been designated as maintenance zones, but none has yet obtained project implementation approval. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to strengthen maintenance project procedures and administrative support so each complex can obtain project implementation approval before the new standards are applied.
Along with the transitional provisions, the Seoul Metropolitan Government asked the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) to reasonably adjust the scope and heights of the obstacle evaluation surface. Because ICAO standards allow member states to detail domestic standards by considering airport flight procedures and surrounding terrain, the city's position is that the introduction of the new standards should not lead to stricter regulations than before.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is preparing a domestic application plan for Gimpo Airport's height restriction standards through TF discussions with related agencies and expert advice. A Seoul city official said, "After completing the standard plan, we plan to deliver it additionally to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT)."