Unlocking Airspace: How Seongnam’s Height Restrictions Could Change with New Proposals

Seongnam City Submits Revised Altitude Restriction Proposal to Defense Ministry

SEONGNAM, South Korea – The city of Seongnam has submitted a revised proposal to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to ease altitude restrictions in flight safety zones 5 and 6, addressing previously rejected measures and seeking a more practical application of aviation safety standards.

The new proposal targets approximately 45 square kilometers of flight safety zones 5 and 6, affecting 24 neighborhoods including Taepyeong, Sinheung, Sujin, Seongnam, Yatap, and Imae.

Currently, about 80 square kilometers of Seongnam’s total 141.8 square kilometer area falls under altitude restrictions. The city’s airspace is divided into six flight safety zones based on Seoul Airport’s runway.

To tackle the altitude restriction issue, Seongnam officials launched a research project in September 2023. After gathering public input, they developed five proposals to ease altitude limits, which were formally presented to the MND in June 2025.

The Defense Ministry accepted two of the initial proposals: revising ground-level standards in the Military Base Act Enforcement Decree and modifying Seongnam’s flight safety zone designations.

However, the MND rejected three key proposals: altering Seoul Airport’s aircraft approach path, establishing special approach procedures, and relaxing altitude limits based on minimum descent altitude margins.

Seongnam officials, deeming these rejected proposals crucial for meaningful altitude restriction relief, have now resubmitted a modified plan. This revised proposal incorporates aviation expertise and public feedback to address the MND’s concerns.

The new plan focuses on easing altitude restrictions in approach areas, adjusting limits where approach procedures are not in use, and implementing special approach procedures to allow for greater building heights.

If approved, the revisions could potentially increase allowable building heights by 15.96 meters to 135.75 meters, depending on the specific area and the extent of the MND’s acceptance.

Additionally, Seongnam has requested that the MND include tree heights when calculating shielding surfaces for flight paths, as defined in military facility protection regulations.

The city also cited precedents where military structures at Seoul Airport were permitted to exceed height limits after passing aviation safety assessments. Officials are urging similar flexibility for civilian buildings outside shielding zones if they are proven not to impact flight safety.

\”Resolving these altitude restrictions is a critical task that requires persistence and ongoing dialogue,\” said Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin. \”We are committed to working closely with the Defense Ministry to find a balance between protecting our citizens’ property rights and maintaining aviation safety.\”

NSP Communication Reporter Kim Byeong-kwan (inspect1234k@nspna.com)