Seoul holds off Shilla’s hanok hotel project

By KH디지털2

Published : Jan. 21, 2016 - 15:52

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Hotel Shilla’s third attempt to obtain a permit to build a traditional-style hotel in central Seoul was once again mired in a deadlock by Seoul City on Thursday.

The Seoul Metropolitan government said it reserved the decision to approve the company’s request to ease regulations for the project envisioned at a location designated as a development-restricted area.

The company had sought to build a hanok hotel at Jangchung-dong in Jung-gu district, a neighborhood near the historic Fortress Wall of Seoul. New construction and expansion projects are controlled for preservation purposes.

A downsized version of Hotel Shilla’s envisioned hanok hotel complex Yonhap

Having failed to convince the city government to grant approval in 2012 and 2013, the accommodation affiliate of Samsung Group had further downsized the plan by reportedly reflecting at least 90 percent of the city’s requests. It included lowering the above-ground floors by two stories and reducing the number of rooms by 116.

Citing that the project could undermine nearby cultural sites, the city had demanded the hotel have fewer floors and be situated further from the historic asset.

The city did not immediately offer a reason for the refusal.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)

Seoul holds off Shilla’s hanok hotel project

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