Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Demolition of Seosomun Overpass set to begin Aug. 17
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon gestures during his inspection of Seosomun Overpass in central Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Jung Min-ho
City officials in Seoul announced Tuesday that demolition of Seosomun Overpass, a major elevated roadway downtown that has served the capital for nearly six decades, will begin Aug. 17.
The structure is a 335-meter-long, 14.9-meter-wide roadway featuring 18 piers, connecting Chungjeongno Station and City Hall Station. Established in 1966, it carries over 40,000 vehicles per day on average.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the overpass was rated Grade D in a five-level safety rating system after a detailed inspection following a 2019 incident in which pieces of concrete fell from the structure. Inspectors revealed damage to key components, significant deterioration of structural elements and urgent need for repairs.
Ultimately, the city government came to the conclusion that demolition is essential.
The demolition work will proceed in phases to minimize traffic congestion, city officials said. Starting at midnight on Aug. 17, one lane in the City Hall to Chungjeongno direction will be closed, followed by another lane closure in the opposite direction on Aug. 24. By Sept. 21 it will be fully closed and demolition work will begin, with completion estimated for May 2026.
After the demolition, the city government will begin construction of a replacement overpass. This project is expected to finish by February 2028.
“Since there are significant concerns about inconveniences due to traffic congestion during the demolition period, special measures are needed,” Mayor Oh Se-hoon said following his inspection of the site on Monday. "Make every effort, in cooperation with relevant agencies, to minimize traffic inconvenience.”