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SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Seoul’s aging underground infrastructure is drawing attention after newly released data linked deteriorating sewer systems to a series of sinkholes and ground settlement incidents across the city.
According to figures submitted to Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Jin Sun-mi, 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles), roughly 30.4 percent, of Seoul’s total 10,866 kilometers of sewer lines had been in use for over 50 years as of December 2023. The data, provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, was made public on Tuesday. The lawmaker also revealed data submitted by the transport ministry that showed 394 sinkhole or ground settlement cases (45.5 percent) out of 867 cases reported during the last five years were caused by deteriorated or damaged sewer pipes.
“Sewer pipes typically last between 30 and 50 years,” Jin said, stressing that a significant portion of the capital’s network has long passed that threshold, especially in older neighborhoods and busy areas. She called for stronger inspections and faster replacement of vulnerable sections, warning that the outdated system is a major factor behind repeated ground collapses.
Public concern has been growing since a deadly sinkhole incident occurred in Gangdong District on Mar. 24. A massive hole, about 20 meters (65 feet) wide and 18 meters deep, opened up near a construction site. A motorcyclist fell in and was killed; another person was injured. However, officials later said the collapse was caused by ground settlement, likely tied to nearby excavation and weaknesses in underground facilities.
City officials said they are conducting emergency checks in high-risk zones and reassessing long-term replacement plans. In a separate announcement last week, the Seoul Metropolitan Government confirmed that 59 sinkhole and ground settlement cases were reported across the city over the past three years—underscoring just how widespread the problem has become.
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