Myeongil-dong 'Sinkhole' Investigation Concluded... Seoul to Expedite Compensation for Victims

Sajo Committee Announces Investigation Results... Compensation for Personal and Property Damages
All Available Means Mobilized: Insurance, Funds, and State Compensation Procedures
"We Will Provide Responsible Support Until Swift Relief Is Achieved"

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide compensation to the victims and bereaved families of the ground subsidence accident that occurred in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu last year, utilizing insurance, disaster management funds, and state compensation. This measure follows the finalization of the investigation results for the accident.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on January 6, the Central Underground Accident Investigation Committee (Sajo Committee) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport notified the city of the final investigation report on the Myeongil-dong sinkhole accident on December 30 of last year.

The scene of the large sinkhole that occurred on the road near Daemyeong Elementary School in Gangdong-gu last March. Photo by Yonhap News

In response, the city plans to promptly provide relief to the victims by informing them and their families of the investigation results and the upcoming compensation procedures, and by utilizing all available means such as insurance, funds, and legal procedures to ensure that compensation is not delayed.

For personal injuries, including fatalities and injuries, the city will work closely with the insurance company to provide additional compensation through the liability insurance policy it has purchased. Compensation for fatalities and injuries will be paid in installments within the maximum limit of 100 million won per case. As of now, a total of 55 million won has been paid to the bereaved families of the deceased through the Seoul Disaster Management Fund and the Citizens’ Safety Insurance.

If the insurance coverage is insufficient or if there are property damages, the city will support victims so that relief can be provided within a few months through the compensation committee procedures under the State Compensation Act. In addition, the city will provide necessary information and administrative support to help victims proceed smoothly with the relevant procedures.

The Sajo Committee determined that the direct causes of the accident were discontinuities (boundaries where the properties of materials such as bedrock suddenly change) and wedge-shaped soil masses that had not been identified during ground surveys. The committee also cited multiple factors as contributing causes, including a drop in groundwater levels due to the Sejong-Pocheon Expressway, prolonged sewage pipe leakage, and structural limitations of the steel pipe reinforcement grouting method.

Han Byungyong, Director of Disaster and Safety at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have waited so long for the investigation results," adding, "We will continue to provide responsible support to ensure that all possible compensation within the institutional framework is provided as quickly as possible."