By Lee Kyung-min
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) said Wednesday it had discovered 41 tunnels under the capital after conducting a citywide inspection from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 with Japanese company Geo Search. The firm specializes in underground inspection work.
Most of the tunnels discovered were near old subway stations under construction, and busy shopping or business districts. Eighteen tunnels were found in Jongno 3-ga, central Seoul; five in Yeouido; and 18 under Seoul National University of Education, southern Seoul.
"To date, we could not fix the problem in a timely manner, since we did not have the proper equipment. But now we do, so as soon as the weather permits, we will start working," an SMG official said.
Out of the total discovered, SMG has decided to fill in 18 that it considers pose a high risks to drivers and pedestrians.
This year, sinkholes were found around the city.
Six occurred near the second Lotte World in July through August, southern Seoul, and two, one each in June and July in Yeouido. No casualties occurred.
As a prevention measure, SMG plans to conduct a citywide inspection every three years.
Primary inspection spots will be near old subway station, old underground water pipes, and areas with weak soil, the official added.
On Dec. 5, SMG found two underground tunnels in Yeouido and Seonreung, southern Seoul. At the time, they concluded the two such tunnels did not pose a public risk.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) said Wednesday it had discovered 41 tunnels under the capital after conducting a citywide inspection from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 with Japanese company Geo Search. The firm specializes in underground inspection work.
Most of the tunnels discovered were near old subway stations under construction, and busy shopping or business districts. Eighteen tunnels were found in Jongno 3-ga, central Seoul; five in Yeouido; and 18 under Seoul National University of Education, southern Seoul.
"To date, we could not fix the problem in a timely manner, since we did not have the proper equipment. But now we do, so as soon as the weather permits, we will start working," an SMG official said.
Out of the total discovered, SMG has decided to fill in 18 that it considers pose a high risks to drivers and pedestrians.
This year, sinkholes were found around the city.
Six occurred near the second Lotte World in July through August, southern Seoul, and two, one each in June and July in Yeouido. No casualties occurred.
As a prevention measure, SMG plans to conduct a citywide inspection every three years.
Primary inspection spots will be near old subway station, old underground water pipes, and areas with weak soil, the official added.
On Dec. 5, SMG found two underground tunnels in Yeouido and Seonreung, southern Seoul. At the time, they concluded the two such tunnels did not pose a public risk.
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