‘Preventing Fear Underfoot’ … Gangnam-gu Restores 240 Areas at Risk of Sinkholes

March 16 to September 11: Proactive Exploration of 249km Sections on Main Roads and Dogok·Yeoksam Areas Reveals 730 Sites

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jeong Soon-gyun) conducted an exploration operation from March 16 to September 11 to detect underground spaces along major arterial roads and the Dogok and Yeoksam-dong areas, covering a distance of 249 km. As a result, 730 locations at risk of ground subsidence were discovered, and 240 of these sites have been restored.

This measure was part of a proactive response to prevent ground subsidence accidents following the establishment of the Underground Safety Management Team within the district office in January last year. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment, which projects electromagnetic waves to detect underground spaces, was deployed for the detailed investigation.

The remaining 490 sites that have not yet been restored will be repaired alongside inspections of a 304 km section covering Gaepo, Daechi, Samsung, Segok, Suseo, Yulhyeon, Jagok, and Irwon-dong areas next year. Additionally, through regular inspections and supplementary work until 2022, efforts will be made to secure the safety of underground facilities in the Nonhyeon, Sinsa, Apgujeong, and Cheongdam-dong areas, covering 267 km.

Song Byung-seok, Director of the Flood Control Division, stated, “Ground subsidence is a hidden underground hazard, so it is important to detect it in advance.” He added, “We will continue to expand ground surveys to alleviate residents’ concerns regarding underground safety.”

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