Gochang-gun to Take Legal Action Against Contractor of 'Simwon National Sports Center'

Grade E Result from Detailed Safety Inspection Leads to Suspension of Use

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, has decided to take all legal actions against the construction company after the Simwon-myeon Simwon National Sports Center received the lowest grade in a detailed safety inspection.

According to Gochang-gun on the 23rd, the 'Simwon National Sports Center' was finally rated 'Grade E,' the lowest grade, in the detailed safety inspection results.

'Grade E' indicates a condition where there are serious defects in major components, posing a risk to the safety of the facility, requiring immediate suspension of use and reinforcement or reconstruction.

Earlier, according to the Gochang-gun Sports and Youth Division, concrete delamination and spalling were discovered inside and outside the 'Simwon National Sports Center' building around October last year.

Subsequently, through on-site inspections with local architects, the severity of the building was recognized, and a detailed safety inspection was promoted, leading to an emergency temporary suspension of use around December for user safety.

The safety inspection report revealed that the concrete strength in major structural parts of the building was significantly insufficient.

Accordingly, Gochang-gun is proceeding with legal measures against the construction-related companies, including the ready-mix concrete company, through consultation with an advisory lawyer.

A Gochang-gun official stated, "As a long-cherished project by the residents of Simwon-myeon, the site for the Simwon National Sports Center was funded by the residents pooling their resources, showing their special affection," and added, "We will prioritize the safety of Simwon-myeon residents and take appropriate measures through thorough investigation."

Meanwhile, the Simwon National Sports Center was completed in July 2013 with a total project cost of 3.5 billion KRW, constructed with reinforced concrete, and has been used as a place for leisure and sports activities for Simwon-myeon residents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.