Seo-gu, Gwangju to Inspect Old Buildings to Prevent Accidents Such as Collapse and Cracks

Targeting Buildings Excluded from Mandatory Inspections

Seo-gu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City is launching a "Safety Inspection Support Project" targeting old, small-scale buildings that are excluded from the mandatory regular safety inspection list.

This project was established to fill gaps in safety management and to prevent everyday safety accidents in advance, such as building collapses and cracks.

The eligible buildings are private structures that are more than 40 years old since approval for use, have a total floor area of 200 square meters or less, and are two stories or lower. In particular, priority will be given to structurally vulnerable buildings, such as those with wooden or masonry structures.

The inspections will be carried out in stages. During the first inspection, a construction expert will visit the site to check for cracks, tilting, and ground subsidence, and will assess the safety level on a five-grade scale. Subsequently, for buildings rated as insufficient or poor, a detailed inspection will be conducted, which includes structural safety and fire safety.

View of Seo-gu Office, Gwangju

Based on the inspection results, building owners will be advised on necessary measures such as repairs or reinforcement, and administrative actions such as usage restrictions will be taken if urgent hazards are identified. After the inspection, guidance on maintenance and management will be provided to ensure ongoing safety management.

The application period runs until July 31. Building owners or managers who wish to participate in the project should complete an application form and submit it either in person to the Seo-gu District Office's Architecture Division or by mail.

Lee Ikang, head of Seo-gu District Office, stated, "We will alleviate residents' concerns by expanding inspections to include even small, old buildings that have been outside the scope of safety management."

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