Gwanak-gu Expands Cross-Section of Byeolbitnaericheon Culvert to Prevent Flood Damage

Completion of Shinwhagyo Reconstruction in May 2024, Short-Term Drainage Improvement Completed with Shinbongyo Reinstallation in 2025
Remote Barriers Installed at Major Entrances of Byeolbitnaeruncheon, Joint River Patrol Team Operated by Public and Private Sectors

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) has prepared proactive measures centered on the riverside of Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) to protect residents' lives and property from flood damage caused by heavy summer rains and typhoons.

First, efforts are being made to expand the cross-section of Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) to reduce the risk of river flooding and improve the river environment through water quality enhancement.

Geographically, Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) is vulnerable to heavy rainfall due to the steep slope of Gwanaksan Mountain, which results in a short runoff time during rain events.

The mid-to-lower reaches of Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) are urban areas, where many subway stations and bridges are located along the riverside, acting as obstacles that disrupt water flow and cause rapid water level rises, making the area vulnerable to heavy rain.

Accordingly, in preparation for this summer's heavy rainfall, the district has completed maintenance on eight deteriorated drop structures along the section from Dongbang 1 Bridge to Seungri Bridge (L=1.6km) of Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon), and Shinwha Bridge was dismantled in October last year and reopened at the end of May this year.

This construction removed drop structures within a range that does not affect ecosystem safety, maintaining a gentle slope that creates riffles, which accelerate water flow and enhance the river's self-purification effect. The removal of drop structures and riverbed work improved riffle functions, thereby increasing water quality improvement and ecological conservation effects.

Additionally, a flood defense wall (L=45m; 14m on the left bank, 31m on the right bank) was installed along the curved section of the river near Shinwha Bridge, completing thorough preparations for flood prevention stability.

In 2025, the district plans to reinstall Shinbon Bridge to complete the short-term drainage improvement plan by expanding the cross-section of Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon).

Remote barriers have been installed at major entry and exit points of Byeolbitnaerin Stream to fully control access during sudden heavy rainfall or heavy rain advisories, preventing safety accidents.

Furthermore, a river patrol team composed of both public and private members operates to check for any abnormalities in the entry and exit blocking facilities of Byeolbitnaerin Stream and guides residents to evacuate quickly, ensuring thorough prevention of safety accidents.

Mayor Park Jun-hee stated, “As abnormal weather becomes more frequent and weather forecasting becomes increasingly difficult, it is more important than ever to prepare various measures to protect residents' safety and property rights. Through this Byeolbitnaerin Stream (Dorimcheon) cross-section expansion project, we expect to minimize flood damage by improving drainage and preventing flood damage.”