Joseon Royal Shrine Jongmyo Seen as a 'Spatial' Heritage Worth Future Investment
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Seoul's plan to allow a 145m high tower in the redevelopment site across from Jongmyo (the royal shrine) has reignited debate over preservation vs. development. Jongmyo, established in 1395, houses ancestral tablets of Joseon kings and queens and is recognized for its austere, long wooden main hall (Jeongjeon) and its ritual music and ceremonies; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO recommended a heritage impact assessment for the project, but Seoul reportedly declined. International precedents—like the London Tower, Dresden's Elbe Valley, and Malaysia's George Town—show that insensitive development can threaten World Heritage status, while protective policies (e.g., Edinburgh, Bruges, Kyoto) have turned historic landscapes into strong city brands and tourism engines. The article argues that cultural heritage should be treated as a living 'space'—including views and context—not just points or plots, and that protecting Jongmyo's serene setting is a strategic investment in urban branding, tourism revenue, national pride, and long-term economic value.
