Incheon City Inspects Illegal Buildings in Commercial Areas to Prevent "Itaewon Tragedy-Like Accidents"

Bupyeong Themed Street
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will conduct inspections on illegal constructions in densely populated commercial areas where many citizens are expected to gather by the end of this month to prevent accidents similar to the Itaewon tragedy.

The inspection targets are three commercial districts with narrow roads and high foot traffic: Juan 2030 Street, Guwol Rodeo Street, and Bupyeong Theme Street.

The focus will be on unauthorized extensions blocking pedestrian passage and illegal construction activities within multi-use facilities.

If violations of related laws are found, the city will first issue correction orders to the building owners or managers to encourage voluntary compliance. If these are not followed, administrative actions such as prosecution and imposition of enforcement fines will be taken.

An official from Incheon City stated, "Since illegal constructions are closely related to citizens' safety, enforcement fines will be continuously imposed until corrections are completed," and added, "We ask for active cooperation in the inspections and voluntary corrections."