Songdo Landmark Tower height reduced due to aviation safety

The planned height of the Songdo Landmark Tower in Incheon's Songdo International City is expected to be reduced from its original 420-meter (103-story) design to approximately 330–340 meters. This adjustment follows aviation safety assessments regarding the construction of a fifth runway at Incheon International Airport.

According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the project developer, Bluecore PFV, is preparing to submit a revised business plan. An external safety verification study suggested a maximum height of 365 meters, but when accounting for the height of construction cranes (approximately 25–30 meters), the actual building height will likely fall within the 330–340 meter range. This would place the tower at a similar height to other major South Korean structures, such as Busan's LCT apartments and Seoul's Parc.1.

The height reduction is necessary because the original 420-meter plan would infringe upon controlled airspace. Specifically, the tower would exceed the 305-meter altitude limit (1,000 feet) set for the southern airspace of Incheon Airport. Safety concerns include the impact on aircraft 'go-around' procedures and emergency engine-out departure protocols, which could be compromised by the obstacle.