Eighth Meeting of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Metropolitan Governments, and Academic Societies
Special Inspections at 98 Excavation Sites Nationwide
The government has decided to conclude its investigation into the causes of recent ground subsidence accidents in certain areas by June 2025. Along with measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, the government also plans to present strengthened safety management measures for excavation sites, based on a comprehensive review of ongoing research.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on April 23 that it would hold the 8th meeting of the dedicated organization for improving the underground safety management system, together with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 17 metropolitan local governments, and the Korean Geotechnical Society. The meeting, scheduled for the afternoon at the Government Complex Sejong, will be attended by Kim Taebyeong, Director of Technology and Safety Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as relevant officials from local governments.
Previously, consecutive ground subsidence accidents occurred near excavation sites in areas such as Myeongil-dong in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, and Iljik-dong in Gwangmyeong. In response, related ministries, local governments, and academia have decided to work together to examine the current state of safety management at excavation sites and to develop measures to prevent recurrence.
The road near Daemyeong Elementary School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, where a major ground subsidence accident occurred last month. Photo by Yonhap News
Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju will share and discuss their responses, analysis of causes, and special management plans regarding the recent ground subsidence incidents. The Korean Geotechnical Society will explain the main points of its ongoing research on improving the underground safety management system and the areas where cooperation from local governments is needed. Opinions from local governments on major tasks will also be collected.
The government will also share plans for special inspections of 98 large-scale excavation sites nationwide, scheduled from April 21 through the end of May. Local governments will be asked to actively participate in inspections of sites within their jurisdictions.
Regarding accidents in specific areas such as Myeongil-dong in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, the current accident investigation committee will continue its work through June 2025 to complete the investigation. The period may be extended if necessary. Kim Taebyeong, Director of Policy, stated, "Due to the recent series of ground subsidence accidents, public anxiety and concern are high. We will do our utmost to strengthen underground safety in cooperation with relevant ministries, local governments, and private sector experts."
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