[Public Voices] Administration That Looks Beyond the Visible: Seongdong District's 'Zero Sinkhole' Challenge

Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District
Zero Sinkholes in Seongdong for Three Years
Proactive Repairs Block Risk Factors
First to Introduce IoT Safety System

Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District.

Recently, a series of road sinkhole incidents across Seoul have heightened public anxiety. However, Seongdong District stands as an exception. In the first half of this year alone, 73 ground subsidence (sinkhole) accidents were reported throughout Seoul, yet not a single incident has occurred in Seongdong District since 2023. This is not simply a matter of luck, but the result of proactively managing even invisible risks.

Since taking office as district mayor, I have made "there are no exceptions when it comes to safety" the highest administrative principle. In particular, I determined that invisible underground risks require the most meticulous and scientific approach.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, of the 867 ground subsidence cases nationwide over the past five years, 394 cases-45.4%-were caused by damaged aging sewage pipes. Noting that nearly half of ground subsidence incidents stem from sewage pipe issues, Seongdong District has overhauled a total of 35 kilometers of sewage pipelines over the past five years, and is adding another 4.5 kilometers this year. In particular, we have combined precise inspections using endoscopes and CCTV to detect even small cracks or deformations early, and have proactively carried out repairs and replacements to eliminate fundamental risk factors.

Furthermore, in 2017, Seongdong District became the first in the country to introduce an "Underground Space Safety Management System" utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology, enabling constant monitoring of abnormal signs beneath roads. Since 2020, we have also operated an "Underground Space Leak Detection System" to monitor water pipe leaks in real time and prevent ground subsidence in advance.

Since 2022, we have conducted annual joint investigations using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) equipment to precisely detect the location and size of underground cavities beneath roads, preventing ground subsidence accidents before they occur. By last year, we had surveyed a total of 305 kilometers, and this year we continue to inspect major roads, areas around large construction sites, and roads with aging water pipes throughout the district.

The results are clear. The number of underground cavities in the district decreased from 54 in 2022 to 23 in 2023, and further to 13 last year. The principle of "early detection and immediate restoration" is truly safeguarding safety.

Recently, Seongdong District became the first in the country to release the "GPR Joint Investigation and Restoration Map Service." This service visually displays information on approximately 275 kilometers of GPR joint investigation sections conducted annually from 2022 to last year, as well as 90 restoration completion points. The investigation sections are color-coded for easy visual identification, and restoration completion points are marked with green dots, allowing any resident to intuitively understand the status. The service also includes features such as year-based filtering and address searches to enhance usability.

Notably, the service was developed in just two months using Seongdong District’s own technology, without outsourcing. The department most familiar with on-site conditions participated directly, resulting in a practical and high-quality map. This is being recognized as a new administrative model that goes beyond safety measures by transparently sharing public data with residents, thereby reducing anxiety and building trust.

Safety is the most fundamental form of welfare. When advanced technology is combined with thorough preventive administration, residents can be protected even from invisible dangers. Seongdong District will not rest on its "zero sinkhole" achievement, but will continue to pursue even more precise investigations and tighter management to become an even safer city.

I hope Seongdong’s experience will contribute to the safety policies of Seoul and, ultimately, South Korea. Administration that pays close attention even to invisible areas is the surest way to protect safety.

Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District