Zoning is a method of realizing a land-use plan (a.k.a. masterplan) which sets detailed regulations for use of the land. Regulations concerning appropriate land use provide the basis in the zoning system for realization of “desirable land use”, such as protecting a calm residential area through the exclusion of hazardous use or revitalizing a town center through the introduction of mixed use.

Korea has a dual zoning system. The “National Land Planning and Utilization Law”(hereafter referred to as the “National Planning Law”) designates zoning district, density, height, allowable use, etc. The “Building Law”, classify the use of buildings and determines allowable uses of building. However, the “Building Law” mainly targets buildings only, and is basically concerned with regulations regarding the structure and safety of buildings. Therefore, there is a lack of sufficient consideration of city management and management of the surrounding environment in the zoning system.

In this study, we introduce an urban land-use classification system (draft) based on behaviour that could be incorporated into the “National Planning Law” in the long term. In other words, we have devised a land-use classification system that meets the goals of the zoning system and should be integrated into the “National Planning Law”.

In addition, we suggest a method of ensuring autonomy such that local governments could use the zoning system to respond promptly and flexibly to the emergence of new uses.

The urban land-use classification system proposed in this study is based on the characteristics of Seoul. In order to devise an urban land-use classification system that can be universally applied to the entire country, it is necessary to investigate various building types and land use behaviors of local cities with various characteristics, and to conduct sufficient consultations with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.