Seoul: The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of a contentious legal ordinance that permits development projects outside of cultural preservation sites in Seoul. This decision supports a revised ordinance passed by the Seoul Metropolitan Council in September 2023, allowing construction activities 100 meters beyond the outer boundaries of national heritage sites.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the culture minister challenged the ordinance in court, arguing that it should be nullified because the council did not consult with the head of the Korea Heritage Service as required by law before implementing the revision. However, the Supreme Court determined that the law does not mandate such consultations for ordinances related to construction outside of preservation areas.

The court's decision has sparked discussions on the balance between urban development and cultural preservation. While some view the ordinance as a necessary step for the city's growth, others express concerns about potential impacts on the heritage sites' integrity. The ruling sets a precedent for how similar cases might be approached in the future.