Land zoning and local discretion in the Korean planning system

Zonal planning systems are not noted for their promotion of land-use divers ification or variety; rather, the rigidity with which they regulate changes in land-use has been a focus of concern in many countries. Zones frequentl y cut across areas of diverse social, cultural and economic need; they caus e sharp divisions in both physical structure and social equity. In some cou ntries, the creation of "buffer" or "mixed use" zones has been viewed as on e possible solution; these can blunt the edges of otherwise sharp spatial d ivisions and promote diversity. Elsewhere, there have been calls for greate r local discretion in the planning process and a shift in power away from t he strategic level towards the local state. This paper explores the possibi lity of introducing such a system in Korea. It considers some of the proble ms that have stemmed from rigid zoning using the example of recent moves to amend "restricted development zone" boundaries. It then offers two paths f or change: the extension of existing powers to give local authorities great er discretion in planning decisions, or the introduction of discretionary p lanning zones as a standard and widely available regulatory tool. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.