Large Sinkhole Occurs in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul: Is the Cause the Subway Line 9 Extension Construction?
A large sinkhole, measuring 20 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep, has been reported near Daemyung Elementary School in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, shocking local residents. The incident occurred around 6:29 PM on March 24, 2025, with one person missing while riding a motorcycle and the driver of a passing vehicle being injured and transported to the hospital, raising concerns about casualties.
This sinkhole accident occurring in spring, rather than the monsoon season, has left citizens curious about the cause. In particular, the ongoing subway Line 9 extension construction nearby has been identified as a primary cause, attracting significant attention.
In response, the relevant authorities are taking measures to determine the cause of the accident and minimize damage, and more thorough management and preventative measures will likely be needed for the safety of local residents.
Overview of the Large Sinkhole Accident and Casualties
The area where the accident occurred is on Dongnam-ro in Gangdong-gu, near Daemyung Elementary School Intersection, a busy six-lane road. A sinkhole suddenly formed here, causing the ground to collapse, and the damaged section extends over four lanes.
At the time of the accident, a motorcyclist passing along the road fell into the sinkhole and went missing, while the driver of a car passing just in front suffered minor injuries and is receiving treatment in the hospital. During the rescue operations, the motorcycle and the missing person's cellphone were found, but the driver remains unaccounted for.
Situation of Rescue Operations and Challenges
The black box footage of the large sinkhole incident in Myeongil-dong is shocking.
Immediately after the accident, the fire department began rescue operations, collaborating with Gangdong District Office to implement drainage work with pumps. Approximately 2,000 tons of water and soil have mixed inside the sinkhole, making it a difficult situation for rescue workers as they maneuver through the mud.
Despite these challenging conditions, rescue work continues, capturing the attention of many.
Currently, cracks have been found in multiple areas of the ceiling around the sinkhole, delaying the deployment of rescue teams. Rescue workers wearing diving suits and rescue dogs have been dispatched to the scene to search for the missing person. It is estimated that about 6,480 tons of soil has accumulated at the deepest point of the sinkhole. The rescue operation is being conducted alongside excavation work.
Cause of Sinkhole Occurrence: Is There a Connection to the Subway Line 9 Extension Construction?
The area where this accident occurred on Dongnam-ro is currently undergoing phase 4 of the subway Line 9 extension construction. The construction section extends over a total of 160 meters and is located very close to where the sinkhole occurred. This has raised concerns that the construction may have weakened the ground.
The sinkhole in Myeongil-dong falls within the construction area of section 1 of the phase 4 extension project of Seoul Metro Line 9, and the contractor is known to be Daewoo Engineering & Construction. This situation has raised concerns about the safety of citizens.
Experts generally mention that ground subsidence tends to occur frequently after heavy rains or during the monsoon season. However, incidents like this occurring during the dry spring season are considered relatively rare. According to data recently collected by the city of Seoul over the past few years, it has been found that over 70% of all sinkholes are caused by damage to underground water and sewage facilities, as well as communication and gas pipes.
Therefore, it is analyzed that the cause is likely a combination of damage to underground facilities and instability of the construction site's ground, rather than simple climatic factors. This situation will need continuous attention in the future.
Future Investigation Directions and Citizen Anxiety
Currently, the city of Seoul is conducting inspections with soil experts and related institutions. The official cause analysis result is expected to be announced about a week after the incident occurred. In fact, there was a similar case last year in which the cause of a large ground subsidence incident in Seongsan-ro was analyzed in a similar manner.
The sinkhole accident in Myeongil-dong is raising serious questions about the safety of the urban area, rather than just being a simple incident. Citizens are suffering from anxiety that "such an event could happen in our neighborhood at any time."
In light of this incident, the city of Seoul plans to carry out detailed safety inspections of all underground construction areas in the city. If a relationship with the subway Line 9 construction is established, the responsibilities of the contractor and related institutions are likely to be clarified. It is hoped that these measures will contribute to preventing similar accidents in the future.
Conclusion
The large sinkhole accident in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul signifies a serious warning about casualties and public safety, transcending merely a ground collapse on the road. Currently, rescue operations for the missing person are ongoing, and it is expected to take some time until the cause investigation is complete.
To prevent such repetitive sinkhole accidents, it is crucial to systematically manage underground structures and ensure ground stability before construction. Especially for large-scale projects such as subway extensions, design and construction that prioritize the safety of nearby residents are essential.
The incident has raised a call for a comprehensive review to strengthen the underground safety of urban areas. Only through these efforts can we prevent similar accidents in the future and ensure the safety of residents.
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