Large Complex of 19 Buildings; Subsidence Began Last July
LH Claims "No Significant Safety Risk"
Cracks caused by ground subsidence continue to appear in a large apartment complex in Seo-gu, Incheon, heightening residents' anxiety. In particular, structural damage has been confirmed, such as decorative columns connected to the first-floor commercial area of the apartment building splitting and exposing the concrete interior. As a result, more and more residents are voicing concerns about safety.
Cracks caused by ground subsidence continue in a large apartment complex in Seo-gu, Incheon, increasing residents' anxiety. Screenshot from Yonhap News homepage
On January 18, Yonhap News reported, citing a statement from a commercial tenant in the complex, that the structure had changed compared to when the commercial area opened in April last year. Comparing photos taken at the time of opening and recent images, the ground in front of the shops has noticeably subsided. The commercial tenant said, "Seeing the structure connected to the apartment separating has inevitably increased our anxiety."
This apartment complex consists of 19 buildings with about 1,500 households, and each building has commercial and convenience facilities on the first floor. According to residents, ground subsidence began to occur in some areas of the complex starting in July last year. In particular, many cracks and splits have been found at the joints and on the cylindrical decorative structures connected to the commercial area.
In front of one commercial unit, the damage went beyond cracks, with concrete falling off and the internal steel reinforcement fully exposed. The fact that there is a daycare center, a childcare center, and a small library under the structure-spaces frequently used by children-has further increased residents' concerns.
Cracks caused by ground subsidence continue in a large apartment complex in Seo-gu, Incheon, increasing residents' anxiety. Screenshot from Yonhap News homepage
The Seo-gu Safety Management Advisory Committee in Incheon inspected the site last month and stated that a comprehensive safety inspection and reinforcement plan is necessary. Accordingly, residents are demanding that the owner, Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), remove the damaged structures, investigate the cause of the subsidence, and provide responsible countermeasures.
The LH Incheon Regional Headquarters announced that it is currently conducting a safety inspection through a professional diagnostic firm. A representative from the headquarters explained, "Once the inspection results are available, they will be released, and we will implement repairs and reinforcement measures accordingly." However, the representative also stated that, as the columns are individually installed using independent foundations, there is little immediate risk of collapse.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
