124 Billion Won Support for 480 Fire-Vulnerable Buildings in Seoul... Reinforcement by 2022

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 6th that it will temporarily support fire safety performance reinforcement construction costs for 480 fire-vulnerable buildings that used combustible exterior materials or do not have sprinklers installed until December 2022. Up to 26 million KRW per building can be supported, with a total of 12.4 billion KRW in national and city funds being invested for this purpose.

To prevent large-scale casualties caused by fires, the city has been promoting a fire safety performance reinforcement support project targeting existing buildings since last year. In the first year, 5 buildings were supported as a pilot project, and this year, 32 buildings have been supported, totaling 37 buildings so far. Recently, a full survey was conducted on 24,592 multi-use facilities and facilities for vulnerable evacuees, including medical facilities, daycare centers, and goshiwon, to identify fire-vulnerable buildings.

The construction costs are shared equally, one-third each, by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Seoul City (including autonomous districts), and the owners. Up to two-thirds of the construction costs within 40 million KRW are supported, and owners must bear any excess over 40 million KRW.

According to the 'Building Management Act' enforced in May this year, local governments must notify building managers of buildings subject to reinforcement and partially support construction costs. Facilities for vulnerable evacuees and multi-use facilities must complete fire safety performance reinforcement by 2022. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW.

The reinforcement construction must apply reinforcement methods according to the building structure, such as replacing combustible exterior materials vulnerable to fire like dryvit with non-combustible materials or installing sprinklers. Additionally, within the construction budget, outdoor evacuation stairs, fire doors, and downward evacuation routes can be optionally installed.

Building owners wishing to apply for fire safety performance reinforcement construction cost support can register and consult through the Building Management Support Center (Korea Land and Housing Corporation). Detailed information can be found on the Seoul City website or the Building Management Support Center website.

Kim Seong-bo, head of the Housing and Architecture Headquarters of Seoul City, said, "We will support up to 26 million KRW in construction costs to ensure that the 480 fire-vulnerable buildings identified through this full survey complete the reinforcement construction stipulated by the Building Management Act by 2022. While strengthening fire safety standards for new buildings, we will actively support existing fire-vulnerable buildings publicly to create a fire-safe environment."

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