Carcinogens Detected Again in Groundwater at Hanam Industrial Complex in Gwangju
Published 29 Jul.2025 16:46(KST)
Updated 30 Jul.2025 09:16(KST)
TCE Detected at 11.2 Times, PCE at 71 Times the Standard
Rising Anxiety Among Residents in Oseon-dong, Jangdeok-dong, and Hanam-dong
Carcinogenic substances at a serious level have once again been detected in groundwater at the Hanam Industrial Complex in Gwangju, raising concerns within the local community.
According to Gwangsan-gu on July 29, a recent investigation revealed that in 9 out of 45 groundwater wells near the Hanam Industrial Complex, the level of Class 1 carcinogens TCE (trichloroethylene) and PCE (tetrachloroethylene) greatly exceeded dangerous thresholds.
In particular, in household and industrial water from the Oseon-dong, Jangdeok-dong, and Hanam-dong areas, TCE was found at 11.2 times the standard limit, and PCE was detected at an astonishing 71 times the permissible level.
Gwangsan-gu has issued water quality improvement orders to the relevant companies, and has announced that if they fail to submit the results of their improvements, strong follow-up measures will be taken.
Previously, a 2023 service investigation had already confirmed that TCE and PCE exceeded the standards by hundreds of times, but for more than two years, no clear countermeasures were established, leading to criticism from local residents.
A comprehensive investigation is currently underway for 245 groundwater wells around the Hanam Industrial Complex. Among the 120 wells that have already been tested, 11 have been found to contain carcinogens exceeding the standard limits.
A resident of Gwangsan-gu, identified as Mr. A, said, "Concerns about health and the environment among residents are growing day by day," and emphasized, "It is urgent for the authorities to come up with prompt and fundamental countermeasures."
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