Semi-urban zones to be kept from development

Construction of golf courses, ski slopes and condominiums is to be blocked in "semi-urban zones" that have been designated for conservation. Even if construction is allowed, the size of these developments is to be strictly limited. These are the highlights of guidelines announced by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation Monday for development of semi-urban zones.

The guidelines are intended to prevent indiscriminate development of areas on the fringes of urban centers.

The guidelines would keep such tourist and recreational facilities as condominiums or sporting facilities out of sections set aside for public facilities if trees worthy of conservation make up more than 50 percent of its area or more than 150 percent of the average in other cities or counties.

Public facilities in these zones will not be allowed to exceed: l square kilometer for tourism-lodging facilities, camp sites or cemeteries; 3 square kilometers for sporting facilities (6 square kilometers if the same land is shared by a golf course and a ski slope); and 0.3 square kilometers for other facilities.

When building permits are granted, 20-30 percent of the zone should be preserved intact and structures must be limited to 60 percent of the zone's total area.

Koo Ja-Ryong bonhong@donga.com