Yongsan-gu Introduces Nation’s First Customized Stormwater Inlets to Prevent Flooding

Differentiation by Local Characteristics Such as Commercial Districts, Schools, and Subway Stations

Yongsan-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Park Heeyoung) has completed and officially launched the city’s first “customized local stormwater inlet installation project” among Seoul’s autonomous districts, aiming to prevent flooding caused by localized heavy rainfall.

Photo related to the installation of customized rainwater inlets in Yongsan-gu area. Provided by Yongsan-gu.

Stormwater inlets are essential facilities that serve as the starting point for channeling rainwater from roads into rivers during heavy downpours. However, some citizens have been illegally dumping waste such as food scraps and cigarette butts into these inlets, preventing them from functioning properly. This blockage can cause drainage failures, leading to severe damage such as flooded homes or stranded vehicles.

Since May, Yongsan-gu has installed automatic open-and-close covers (gratings) designed to block odors and prevent illegal cigarette butt disposal at 200 commercial district locations. In addition, at 150 locations near schools, the district has implemented highly visible designer lids to improve children’s safety and raise public awareness.

Furthermore, at 250 locations near subway stations, “warning yellow box” design covers have been introduced, while 50 inner roads near traditional markets have been equipped with leaf filter gratings to further enhance flood prevention. The district plans to expand the installations after a pilot operation through August, during which the amount of waste dumped and management efficiency will be evaluated.

In April, the district also attached QR codes to all 17,000 stormwater inlets, enabling citizens to directly report any issues via the mobile web system “Rainwater Care,” thereby establishing a smart management system. As a result, both the administration and residents are now participating in an efficient “virtuous cycle structure” for management.

Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, “We will continue to create a city safe from flooding through a new stormwater inlet management system that organically connects technology, manpower, and resident cooperation.”

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