[Interview] Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District: "We Will Make Gwanak a Disaster-Safe City With Zero Casualties"

Full Installation of Semi-Basement Flood Prevention Facilities and Pre-Deployment of Flood Control Supplies
Intensive Management of Disaster-Prone Areas...
From Real-Time Response with Companion Partner, River Patrol Team, and Rainwater Drainage Tunnel to Long-Term Measures
Community Centers in Normal Times, Disaster Prevention Hubs in Emergencies...
Seoul's First Operation of 'Neighborhood Flood Control Hubs'

"Field-Oriented, Proactive Response and Real-Time Action... Gwanak District Selected as the Top Performer in Seoul's Flood and Storm Disaster Response Evaluation This Year"

As localized heavy rainfall and urban flooding caused by the climate crisis continue to recur, Gwanak District is drawing attention as a "disaster-safe city." In this year's "Flood and Storm Disaster Response Evaluation" by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gwanak District was the only district to be selected as the top performer. Under the leadership of District Mayor Park Junhee, the district has established practical and leading measures across all aspects of disaster response.

On May 21, the reporter met with Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, to discuss the district's disaster prevention policies and implementation strategies.

"When It Comes to Disasters, Preparation Is More Important Than After-the-Fact Response... Thorough Readiness Saves Lives"

At the beginning of the interview, Mayor Park Junhee emphasized, "Flood and storm disasters can happen in an instant, but preparation cannot be achieved overnight," adding, "Meticulous, resident-centered preparation and proactive, field-oriented response are key."

As a result, Gwanak District has also proven its disaster response capabilities by receiving the top award in the "Sewer Management Status Evaluation."

Flood Prevention Facilities Installed in Over 5,400 Out of 6,400 Semi-Basement Households... "Full Installation to Be Completed Before June"

Of the 6,405 semi-basement and flood-prone households that suffered flood damage in 2022, flood prevention facilities have been installed in over 5,400 households. The remaining households are scheduled to have installations completed before the upcoming monsoon season.

Mayor Park explained, "This year, we improved the system by attaching QR codes to the existing facilities, allowing residents to easily access usage instructions and maintenance methods."

In addition, Gwanak District has pre-positioned flood control supplies in vulnerable areas, including 2,079 water pumps, 41,270 sandbags, and 2,568 portable water barriers, ensuring immediate response capability to sudden heavy rainfall.

Companion Partner and Care Call SOS... Strengthening the Life Protection System for Vulnerable Groups

"Disasters threaten everyone, but they are far more serious for the vulnerable," Mayor Park also emphasized the importance of protecting disaster-vulnerable residents.

Through the "Companion Partner" system, care officials, local leaders, and neighbors form teams to closely manage 348 disaster-vulnerable households. When a flood warning is issued, dedicated personnel are responsible for everything from facility inspections to swift evacuation support. In particular, for 2,452 semi-basement households, a "Care Call SOS System" has been established to quickly disseminate information and take action in emergencies.

"Neighborhood Flood Control Hubs Combining Community and Disaster Prevention Functions, First Operated in Seoul"

Gwanak District has introduced "Neighborhood Flood Control Hubs" for the first time in Seoul, installing them in Sinsa-dong and Sillim-dong. Mayor Park stated, "These spaces serve as community centers for residents during normal times, but are immediately converted into disaster prevention hubs when disasters occur. They have become the core of a disaster prevention network built together with residents."

River Patrol Team, Mobile Units, Integrated Control Center... Establishing a Real-Time Flood Response System

Mayor Park explained, "We have strengthened our system to enable real-time response even in emergencies." Along Byeolbitnaerincheon, a total of 174 river patrol team members can swiftly control 57 entry and exit points and assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Additionally, five regional mobile units conduct regular patrols, take charge of pump support, lifesaving, and initial response. Furthermore, the district has strengthened its cooperation system with the fire department and uses integrated control center CCTV to monitor real-time flooding situations.

Deep Underground Rainwater Drainage Tunnel to Be Completed by 2029... "Lowering Dorimcheon Water Level by 77cm"

Long-term measures are also progressing steadily. The reconstruction of bridges and installation of flood defense walls along Byeolbitnaerincheon, scheduled for completion in June, are expected to have a direct effect on lowering water levels.

Two additional retention tanks are being installed in Sillim-dong and Samseong-dong, and a "deep underground rainwater drainage tunnel" that will channel water from Boramae Park to the Han River is also underway, with completion targeted for 2029. With a total length of 4.5 km and a diameter of 10.4 m, the tunnel can store 400,000 tons of rainwater, significantly reducing the risk of flooding in the Dorimcheon area.

"Only Thorough Preparation Can Provide an Answer in the Face of Disaster"

In conclusion, Mayor Park Junhee stressed, "The most important thing in the face of disaster is life," and added, "We will continue to keep all possibilities open, centering on the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, and prepare thoroughly to ensure not a single casualty occurs."