HDC Begins Demolition Work on Collapsed Apartment in Gwangju Hwajeong-dong... Demolition to Complete by 2025

HDC Hyundai Development Company (HDC) has begun the full-scale demolition work of Gwangju Hwajeong I-Park, where a collapse accident occurred. The demolition is expected to be completed by the first half of 2025.

On the 6th, the HDC Hyundai Development A1 Task Force announced that administrative procedures, including approval of permits from related agencies and lifting of construction suspension for the A1 site demolition work, have been completed, and demolition work will commence.

Exterior wall stabilization work completed, the Gwangju Hwajeong I-Park A1 site is ready for full-scale dismantling
[Photo by HDC Hyundai Development Company]

After completing stabilization work on Building 201 on January 16, HDC has spent about two months undergoing administrative procedures for permits such as demolition plans, safety management plans, and hazardous risk prevention plans with related agencies including the Seo-gu Office of Gwangju Metropolitan City. They have thoroughly reviewed and supplemented the plans to ensure the demolition work proceeds safely.

This demolition plan is unprecedented, involving the dismantling of a high-rise building that was nearing completion, and the site is located in an urban area, focusing on preventing safety accidents and environmental damage. The demolition work will proceed for about two years and is scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2025.

HDC Hyundai Development will first begin preparatory work for the structural demolition. Preparatory work refers to tasks that must precede the main demolition activities such as crushing, including the installation of temporary facilities like system scaffolding, RCS (Rail Climbing System), tower cranes, and hoist cars, as well as dismantling interior finishing materials. After about 2 to 3 months of preparatory work, the main structural demolition is planned to start in mid-June.

Before proceeding with the demolition, the A1 Task Force held a technical advisory meeting on March 29 at the HDC Hyundai Development headquarters. The meeting was attended by the technical advisory group led by Professor Choi Chang-sik of Hanyang University, members of the A1 Task Force including the task force leader, and headquarters officials. During this meeting, after the A1 Task Force presented the demolition plan, the advisory group exchanged opinions on management measures in areas such as structure, safety, and environment, and re-examined the overall demolition plan.

Ho Myung-gi, leader of the A1 Task Force, stated, “We have conducted reviews and technical improvements regarding structure and safety through consultations with domestic and international experts. Although the permit process for the demolition plan took some time, we have prepared thoroughly and will safely carry out the demolition work as planned, while communicating with local community stakeholders to restore trust.”

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