Seoul Hopes for Livelier Skyline as Height Limit Is Lifted

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has scrapped the 35-floor height limit on apartment towers to create a livelier skyline. 

The limit was introduced by then-Mayor Park Won-soon in 2015 to protect residents' access to sunlight but has also been blamed for doing nothing to vary the city's monotonous skyline. 

Mayor Oh Se-hoon last March promised to scrap the regulation.

A city official said, "By getting rid of the uniform height limit, we will be able to create a unique and diverse skyline. If buildings are higher they can be spaced further apart to secure the right to a view." 

The decision is also likely to expedite the reconstruction of aging apartment blocks.

The first apartment complex to benefit will be Mido complex in Daechi-dong, southern Seoul. It will be rebuilt to house 3,800 units, with each tower standing 50 floors tall. 

The city government will also try to ensure that apartment complexes that are being rebuilt are no more than a 30-minute walk from major office districts and leisure facilities.