Seoul City Conducts Comprehensive Fire Safety Inspection of 369 Traditional Markets

Intensive Inspection Including Fire Extinguisher Installation

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 13th that it will conduct a comprehensive fire prevention inspection over approximately two weeks until the 24th, covering a total of five items: ▲fire extinguisher placement ▲securing fire lanes ▲securing emergency stairs ▲installation of evacuation maps ▲operation of emergency exit guide lights.

The city stated that there have already been two traditional market fires in March alone, including at Incheon Hyundai Market and Samcheok Beongae Market, and that it will conduct intensive inspections of fire facilities within markets and promptly improve any deficiencies.

After conducting comprehensive inspections for each traditional market, the city plans to immediately address on-site issues such as removing stored items left on roads and stairs, and to handle other improvements as quickly as possible through administrative guidance from district offices. If improvements are not made despite continuous requests, fines will also be imposed.

Meanwhile, Seoul is supporting the enrollment in the ‘Traditional Market Fire Mutual Aid Insurance’ which provides compensation in case of fire damage. This year, the city will support up to 80% of the insurance premium (ranging from 57,760 KRW to 163,360 KRW) for a total of about 5,500 stores. For example, a traditional market merchant enrolled in fire mutual aid insurance with a coverage amount of 60 million KRW can receive support of 163,360 KRW, which is 80% of the total annual premium of 204,200 KRW.

Kang In-cheol, the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Commerce Revitalization Officer, said, “Traditional markets consist of densely packed small stores and aging buildings, so even a small spark can easily escalate into a large fire. Through the comprehensive inspection of fire facilities in traditional markets to prevent the fires that have been occurring one after another this spring, we will create an environment where both merchants and citizens can stay safe.”