Installation of 'Underground Fire Extinguishing Systems' in 19 Traditional Markets in Jung-gu, Seoul

Completion of Installation Within the First Half of the Year
to Secure the Golden Time for Fire Response

Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Kim Gil-seong) will install ‘underground emergency fire extinguisher boxes’ (underground fire extinguishers) in 30 locations across 19 traditional markets by June this year to strengthen fire response within traditional markets.

An underground buried emergency fire extinguisher box installed at Namdaemun Market. Provided by Jung-gu, Seoul.

The underground fire extinguisher is buried underground during normal times, causing no obstruction to passage, but can be easily opened in emergencies to immediately use fire hoses and firefighting tools. It is a customized disaster response device considering the structure of traditional markets where on-site response can be delayed. It is an ‘underground fire station’ where fire hoses and firefighting tools appear just by opening the lid in an emergency.

Jung-gu has a total of 49 markets, including traditional markets, alley-type shopping districts, and underground shopping districts. This accounts for about 15% of all markets in Seoul.

Aged traditional markets are vulnerable to fire. Narrow alleys and densely packed store structures make it difficult for fire trucks to access and there is a risk of spreading to large-scale fires. Accordingly, Jung-gu proposed the ‘underground fire extinguisher’ as an alternative, which is highly space-efficient and easy for anyone to use.

The district installed underground fire extinguishers in two locations on a trial basis until 2021, and last year, through a research project, reaffirmed the necessity of installing the device and additionally installed three more locations. Along with this, a total budget of 760 million KRW was secured entirely from external funds, including 160 million KRW from Seoul City special grants and subsidies, and 600 million KRW from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s special grants, making it possible to install at least one unit in every alley-type market this year.

Before the full-scale project launch, the district held an ‘Underground Emergency Fire Extinguisher Box Installation Project Briefing’ on the 4th.

The district plans to complete the installation swiftly within the first half of the year. The underground fire extinguisher will be installed with dimensions of 1m by 1m, and the hose length will be up to 50m. After installation is complete, practical training on initial fire response methods will be conducted for market merchants. Management authority will be transferred to Jungbu Fire Station after installation for ongoing management.

Mayor Kim Gil-seong said, “Jung-gu, with its 630-year history, has equally long-established living spaces and aging markets that are inevitably vulnerable to fire,” adding, “We will continue to strive to create safe traditional markets where everyone can feel secure.”

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