Underground malls in South Korea face concerns over structural integrity after recent sinkhole incidents
deep below the hustle and bustle of South Korea's bustling metropolises, expansive underground shopping centers have become a staple of city living, yet, their safety is under scrutiny due to a wave of sinkhole incidents.
Take the vast, 880-meter-long GOTO Mall hidden beneath Seoul's express bus terminal station – a significant transit hub connecting three subway lines. The underworld shopping street attracts crowds to its 630 stores, offering an array of options from eateries and grocery stores to medical clinics. Additionally, there are round-the-clock, unstaffed stores like pet supply shops and print centers operational 24/7.
But Seoul's history tells a different story. As per reports by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, over 63 sinkholes have surfaced in Seoul alone since March 2022.
Underground shopping centers like GOTO Mall have emerged as a lifeline for financially strapped transit operators like Seoul Metro, generating substantial revenue.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the safety concerns surrounding these subterranean malls. Notably, a sinkhole incident near a local elementary school in Gangdong-gu, along with another related to subway tunnel construction, has underscored concerns about ground stability and safety management.
Experts, such as Professor Kim Jae-gwan from the University of Seoul, signal that the added load from commercial facilities within subway stations can exert pressure on the ground, especially in areas with soft soil or high groundwater levels[3][4].
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is implementing new monitoring systems to identify ground subsidence and investing in measures to prevent sinkholes[2]. Yet, the tandem of heavy construction, shifts in groundwater flow, and increased commercial exploitation of underground spaces continues to inspire fears about the structural resilience of these facilities[4][5].
In conclusion, while underground retail offers convenience and economic advantages, the recent sinkhole incidents reiterate the necessity of reinforced safety measures to safeguard the stability of the ground under these structures.
- The analysis of ground stability in Seoul's underground shopping centers, like GOTO Mall, is crucial, given the rise in sinkhole incidents since March 2022.
- The safety concerns surrounding these subterranean malls are legitimate, as evident by the sinkhole incident near a local elementary school and another related to subway tunnel construction.
- Professor Kim Jae-gwan from the University of Seoul states that the added load from commercial facilities within subway stations can put pressure on the ground, especially in areas with soft soil or high groundwater levels.
- The Seoul Metropolitan Government is implementing new monitoring systems and investing in measures to prevent sinkholes, yet, the combination of heavy construction, shifts in groundwater flow, and increased commercial exploitation of underground spaces continues to raise concerns.
- The integral role that underground shopping centers, such as GOTO Mall, play in generating revenue for financially strapped transit operators like Seoul Metro cannot be overlooked, but their safety must remain a priority in the face of increased sinkhole incidents.
- The Science, Environmental-Science, and Financial industries must collaborate to address climate-change-related factors that contribute to sinkhole formation in Seoul, ensuring the continued safety and stability of public-transit systems and transportation infrastructure.
