▲ Conceptual rendering of the development project in the central area of Songdo Zones 6 and 8
The height of a planned supertall skyscraper intended to serve as a landmark in Incheon's Songdo International City is expected to be significantly reduced from its original plan due to aviation safety concerns.
According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Authority and the Seoul Regional Office of Aviation on Friday, two flight safety review studies regarding the proposed 103-story, 420-meter-high tower in Songdo were recently concluded.
The reviews concluded that constructing the building as originally planned could impact the safety of aircraft operating to and from nearby Incheon International Airport.
Consequently, an opinion was presented that a plan to lower the tower's height to 365 meters, which is around the 90-story level, would be appropriate.
An official from the Seoul Regional Office of Aviation explained, "We conducted a verification study on the results of the study carried out by the project developer, and the conclusion was that it is appropriate. We did not set a specific height ourselves."
The IFEZ Authority plans to review whether to adjust the tower height downward based on the study results.
However, the IFEZ Authority reportedly showed differences in opinion with the project developer and the research institution regarding the necessity of height adjustment during the study process.
Back in 2007, after the cancellation of a 151-story supertall tower project in Songdo, the plan was scaled down to 103 stories, sparking fierce backlash from some residents who demanded the original plan be maintained, including holding head-shaving protests.
In response, former Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok previously expressed the view that it was necessary to build South Korea's tallest building in Songdo, surpassing the Lotte World Tower (123 stories, 555 meters).
The IFEZ Authority stated, "As we raised objections to the height reduction during this study process, we will finalize the final height after further consultations with relevant organizations."
(Photo provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, Yonhap News)
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