South Korea Grapples with Tunnel Collapse and Rising Sinkhole Risks

Ongoing rescue efforts in Gwangmyeong highlight systemic infrastructure challenges as authorities deploy new safety measures.

A subway tunnel collapse in Gwangmyeong on April 11 left one worker rescued and another still missing, with rescue operations continuing as of April 14.
Structural damage to a central pillar was detected a day before the collapse, raising questions about oversight and response to known risks.
The site had been flagged in 2023 for 'very poor' ground conditions and missing reinforcement plans, reflecting long-standing safety oversights.
Authorities have formed a task force and are using ground-penetrating radar to assess areas prone to sinkholes, aiming to prevent further incidents.
Nationwide, sinkhole reports have surged since 2020, driven by aging underground pipes and faulty construction, with recent incidents in Seoul and Busan underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.