Seocho-gu Blocks Sinkholes in Advance... Strengthens Safety Net with GPR Surveys

Second-Phase GPR Survey Covering 458 km to Be Completed by 2028

Seocho-gu in Seoul is launching a proactive prevention system for all road sections in response to a recent series of ground subsidence (sinkhole) incidents occurring nationwide.

The district completed the first phase of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys on all road sections within the area from 2020 to 2023. From 2024 to 2028, Seocho-gu is conducting the second phase of GPR surveys, covering a total of 458.5 kilometers of roads, with the work being carried out annually.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey scene. Provided by Seocho-gu.

GPR surveys are an advanced technology that quickly and accurately analyzes underground structures and ground conditions in a non-destructive manner, allowing for the early detection of ground subsidence risks.

After a ground subsidence accident occurred on Seongsan-ro in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu in August of last year, Seocho-gu conducted a special safety inspection in September and October, enabling the early detection and repair of road subsidence and damage. The district is also making every effort to prevent safety accidents by carrying out joint precision inspections with external experts at reconstruction sites and major arterial roads, and focusing GPR equipment on detecting abnormal signs.

This year, in particular, special safety inspections will be carried out during the rainy season, focusing on areas vulnerable to ground subsidence such as construction sites, excavation sites, slopes, and retaining walls. If any risks are identified during joint inspections with external experts, immediate safety measures will be taken, followed swiftly by repair and reinforcement work.

Seocho-gu Mayor Jeon Sungsoo stated, "If you witness a sinkhole, please report it immediately to prevent any casualties," adding, "We will continue to thoroughly respond to abnormal signs of ground subsidence and strengthen proactive prevention measures to create a safe road environment free from concerns about sinkholes."

If you discover road subsidence, you can report it during the day to the Seoul City Call Center (02-120) or the Seocho-gu Office Road Department (02-2155-6981~3), and at night to the Seocho-gu Office Duty Room (02-2155-6100~3).

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