Gangdong-Gu Seoul Faces Sinkhole Crisis Again

On April 30, 2025, another sinkhole emerged in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, causing partial road closures and raising concerns about infrastructure stability in the area. The incident occurred near the Gildong Sageori intersection around 3:30 PM, marking the fourth sinkhole to be reported in this district since March.

The sinkhole measured approximately 2.5 meters in width, 3.0 meters in length, and 1.2 meters in depth, according to the Seoul city authorities. Thankfully, no casualties were reported as a result of this latest occurrence. Authorities swiftly blocked two lanes to facilitate restoration efforts and ensure public safety.

The cause of the sinkhole has been traced back to a leak from a joint in a 100mm pipe, which is connected to a larger 2000mm water supply line. This leak led to ground subsidence, prompting the sudden collapse of the road surface. A spokesperson for the Gangdong Waterworks Office stated, “The leak occurred due to the deterioration of the pipe joint, which has caused the ground to sink.”

In response to the situation, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) vehicle was deployed to the site to assess the surrounding roads and detect any further vulnerabilities. The city plans to complete the restoration work by 11 PM on the same day, with additional findings from the GPR survey expected to be published on the Seoul Safety Nuri website.

This incident is part of a troubling trend in Gangdong-gu, where sinkholes have become increasingly frequent. Just last month, a significant sinkhole measuring 20 meters by 18 meters and 30 meters deep opened in Myeongil-dong, resulting in one fatality. On April 2, another smaller sinkhole, measuring 20 centimeters in diameter and 50 centimeters deep, was reported in Gildong, followed by another on April 13 near Gangdong Station.

Local residents and authorities alike are expressing concern over the safety of the infrastructure, as the recent spate of sinkholes raises questions about the integrity of the city's water supply system and the maintenance of public roads. “It’s alarming to see these occurrences happening so frequently. We need to ensure that our infrastructure is adequately maintained to prevent future incidents,” remarked one local resident.

As the restoration efforts continue, the Gangdong district is under scrutiny to address these underlying issues effectively. The local government has been urged to conduct thorough inspections of water supply systems and roadways to prevent further incidents. The community is watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures their safety and peace of mind.