[Report] "What’s Wrong with These Roads?"... Wando Downtown Left as Bumpy as a Construction Site

Left Unrepaired for Years After LPG Pipeline Construction,
Damaging the Image of a Tourist Destination
Uneven Road Surface Causes Vehicle Damage,
Residents Say "Only Temporary Fixes for Years"

Major roads in Wando County, Jeollanam-do, which promotes itself as a pristine tourist destination, have been left unrepaired for years after construction, leading to growing dissatisfaction among residents and tourists. Although local authorities have stated that they will carry out repairs, there has been no substantive action, deepening public distrust in the administration.

On the morning of November 3, an inspection of the central shopping district and the main road in front of Judo in Wando-eup revealed that the roads were riddled with potholes and cracks, resembling "Swiss cheese." The surface was so uneven that vibrations could be felt every time a vehicle passed, and in some sections, the road had been patched irregularly, causing significant height differences.

Major roads in Wando County have been left unrepaired for years after construction, causing growing dissatisfaction among residents and tourists. Photo by Lee Jungyeong

A resident who uses this road daily complained, "It feels like driving over a speed bump," adding, "It puts a strain on my vehicle's suspension."

The cause of the road damage dates back to an LPG gas pipeline construction project carried out several years ago. At that time, the road was dug up to lay the pipeline, but instead of a full resurfacing, only partial repairs were made. Since then, repeated temporary fixes have resulted in a "patchwork road," with black and dark gray asphalt mixed together.

Road experts have pointed out, "Partial repairs like this cannot be a fundamental solution," adding, "Over time, the joints widen or subside, actually worsening the road condition."

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that this section serves as a main gateway leading to the Wando Port Passenger Terminal, which most tourists visiting Wando must pass through.

A tourist, Mr. A, who visited Wando with his family from Gwangju, said, "We came expecting pristine seas, but were disappointed by the state of the roads," adding, "It gave me the impression that basic maintenance is not being done here."

Mr. B, who runs a restaurant in the Wando-eup shopping district, said, "Customers often bring up the condition of the roads," expressing concern that, "If this continues, Wando will be seen as an underdeveloped area, which could deal a serious blow to the local economy."

The issue of road damage in this area has been raised repeatedly for years, but no significant improvements have been made. Resident Mr. C of Wando-eup stated, "It's been the same for years, and the authorities don't seem to care," adding, "If a full resurfacing is difficult, at least the dangerous sections should be properly repaired."

Road damage is not only an eyesore but also a safety hazard. The uneven surface poses a high risk of damage to vehicle tires, wheels, and suspensions, and at night, it is especially difficult to spot potholes, increasing the risk of accidents.

Some have analyzed that the county's financial situation is the reason for the delayed repairs. However, residents counter this by saying, "It's not a budget issue, but a matter of administrative will."

In response, a county official stated, "We are aware of the road conditions and are reviewing necessary measures based on on-site inspections."