Gyeonggi Province to Launch GPR Surveys in 16 Cities and Counties for Sinkhole Prevention

Gyeonggi Province to Conduct Ground Surveys in 16 Cities and Counties
Secures 1.08 Billion Won in National Funding for Sinkhole Prevention and Underground Safety Measures

Gyeonggi Province announced on May 30 that it will begin full-scale ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys as part of its "Special Safety Measures for Underground Construction Sites and Sinkhole Prevention." To this end, the province has secured 1.08 billion won in national funding and will conduct underground safety inspections this year in 16 cities and counties within the province.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Previously, Gyeonggi Province requested national funding support for the ground survey project from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. With the related proposal reflected in this supplementary budget, the project is now gaining momentum.

This ground survey will be carried out in approximately 1,080 kilometers across 16 cities and counties, including Suwon, which applied to participate through a preliminary demand survey. The total project budget is 2.16 billion won. The survey targets urban areas and regions surrounding large excavation sites, which are considered high-risk zones for potential sinkhole incidents.

GPR technology works by emitting electromagnetic waves into the ground and collecting the waves reflected from the boundaries of underground installations, thereby visualizing underground structures. This non-destructive method allows for the detection of cavities or abnormal signs within the ground.

Kang Seongsup, Director of the Construction Bureau at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, stated, "Since ground subsidence incidents are directly linked to the safety of our residents, we will do our utmost to ensure that this support project, reflected in the supplementary budget, is promptly distributed to the cities and counties. We will also work closely with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, local governments, and related organizations to enhance underground safety."