Aging School Building Exterior Concrete Debris Confirmed
"Many Schools Delay Facility Maintenance Due to Budget Issues"
On a holiday morning commute, a piece of concrete fell from the outer wall of a school building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, injuring a passerby’s head.
On the 29th, an online community Clien posted a message titled "I almost died from falling debris at a middle school building during a holiday commute." The author, Mr. A, explained, "While walking to the office on foot, I was passing by the sidewalk adjacent to the school when something thudded down, and shortly after, I felt another sudden shock." He added, "It happened so suddenly that I didn’t realize it at first, but when I came to my senses, I saw that concrete had corroded and fallen from a part of the school building’s eaves, and the pieces were quite large."
On the 29th, an online community Clien posted an article titled "I almost died from falling debris from a middle school building while working on a holiday." [Photo by online community 'Clien']
Mr. A said, "It seems like 5 to 6 pieces fell all at once," and warned of the danger along with photos.
After informing the school administrators about the situation, Mr. A commented, "I think the school facilities are generally poorly maintained, possibly due to lack of budget," and added, "I hope the education office and Seoul city government can stop arguing and come to an agreement to properly resolve these safety issues first."
The school reportedly blocked off the area where debris could fall and controlled pedestrian access afterward.
Netizens who read the post responded with comments such as, "Most middle and high schools in Seoul probably have similar corrosion," "Since the rebar is heavily rusted, additional falling debris is very likely; urgent action is needed," and "We might need to wear helmets even on the street."
Many Schools Delay Facility Maintenance Due to Budget Issues
Regarding this incident, some netizens pointed out that schools delaying facility maintenance due to budget problems is a serious issue.
Additionally, netizens noted from the photos posted by Mr. A that the rebar was heavily rusted, indicating the possibility of further accidents. One expressed concern, saying, "According to Heinrich’s Law, this could be a sign of a major accident to come." Heinrich’s Law states that before a major accident occurs, minor accidents and warning signs caused by the same root cause inevitably appear.
The aging of school buildings nationwide, including kindergartens, elementary, middle, high, and special schools, has been a consistent concern. According to data submitted to Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Dong-yong by the Ministry of Education last year, among buildings used for students’ learning and meals, 19.37% of private school buildings are over 40 years old. The figure is even higher for public schools, at 30.11%.
Among all school buildings, 4,828 buildings received safety ratings of C (average), D (poor), or E (deficient, with one case nationwide). This accounts for 7.32% of all school buildings.
Meanwhile, if a person or vehicle is damaged by falling debris from a building, as in Mr. A’s case, compensation can be claimed under Article 758 of the Civil Act (Liability of Occupiers or Owners of Structures).
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