Concurrent CCTV Sewer Pipe Inspections
Focused Management Around Large Construction Sites and Other High-Risk Areas
Dongdaemun-gu (District Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) will conduct special inspections in April on high-risk areas to prevent repeated ground subsidence accidents and alleviate residents' concerns.
The inspection targets are areas with a high risk of ground subsidence, such as around large construction sites and near subway stations.
Ground subsidence mainly occurs due to damage to sewage pipes, water supply leaks, and around excavation construction sites. According to Seoul City's '2025 Underground Safety Management Plan,' the main cause of ground subsidence incidents over the past 10 years was damage to water and sewage pipelines (63%).
According to recent statistics from the district, among a total of 8 ground subsidence cases from 2019 to 2024, 5 cases (62.5%) occurred around construction sites, accounting for the highest proportion.
In response, the district will utilize disaster management funds to select inspection target sections mainly around large construction sites and actively promote special inspections.
Currently, the selection of inspection sites and administrative procedures are underway, and a joint survey using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is scheduled to commence in April. Along with road inspections, CCTV sewer pipe investigations will be conducted concurrently to check for the possibility of subsidence caused by aging sewage pipes.
The district has continuously implemented various measures to prevent ground subsidence. These include ▲a subsurface cavity survey in 2022 ▲a joint survey of concern areas within the region in 2024 ▲and quarterly inspections of road excavation and restoration sites to ensure ground stability.
Additionally, since last year, the district has introduced mandatory GPR exploration around redevelopment and reconstruction project zones before and after construction as a condition for project approval, preventing the occurrence of cavities on roads and sidewalks near construction sites and establishing an early detection and restoration system. GPR surveys have also been completed for redevelopment areas approved before this condition was applied.
Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, "We will make every effort to thoroughly inspect risk factors in advance through this special inspection to prevent accidents," and added, "We will continue to work closely with Seoul City and related organizations to create a Dongdaemun-gu where residents can live with peace of mind."
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