The construction of the Incheon City Tower, a project that has been in limbo for nearly two decades, has hit another roadblock, sparking outrage among local residents.
Lawmakers Kim Gyo-heung and Lee Yong-woo, representing Seo-gu district in Incheon, along with local residents, have called on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration (SRAA), and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to proceed with the construction of the tower as originally planned at a height of 448 meters.
The group argues that the SRAA, which oversees air traffic control at Gimpo Airport, failed to mention any concerns about the tower interfering with flight paths during three separate inquiries made by the Incheon Economic Free Zone Authority between 2012 and 2021, as the city was going through the construction permit process. They claim that the SRAA abruptly halted the project in April, citing potential interference with flight paths at Gimpo Airport.
"It is clear that the SRAA failed to assess the impact of the Incheon City Tower on flight paths, which constitutes a clear dereliction of duty," the group stated. "To rectify this mistake, the SRAA should amend the relevant regulations and allow the project to proceed as originally planned."
The SRAA is currently conducting a study to assess the impact of the City Tower on air traffic operations at Gimpo Airport.
An LH official expressed frustration at the SRAA's sudden decision, stating, "We are perplexed by the SRAA's sudden halt to the construction process." The official added, "While we await the results of the SRAA's study, if the original plan cannot be realized, we will need to discuss alternative options with residents and relevant agencies."
LH plans to initiate a basic design and technology proposal tender as soon as the SRAA and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport give the green light for the original plan. The goal is to begin construction in 2026 and complete the project by 2031.
Representative Kim Gyo-heung vowed to take legal action if the government agencies fail to support the original plan, saying, "We will pursue all legal avenues, including a government audit, if the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the SRAA prevent the Incheon City Tower from being built as originally planned."
The Incheon City Tower, planned to be a 448-meter-tall structure with an observation deck, shopping mall, and exhibition space, was initially proposed in 2007. However, due to issues related to construction costs and design, the project has faced repeated delays and setbacks.
Once completed, the Incheon City Tower would become the sixth tallest tower in the world, second only to Tokyo Skytree (634 meters). On clear days, visitors would be able to see as far as Kaesong in North Korea from the observation deck.
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