Landslide Risk High at 10 Uljin Power Line Sites, Environmental Group Warns

A stark warning has been issued by the environmental group Noksaek Yeonhap regarding the safety of high-voltage power line construction sites in Uljin, South Korea. Their investigation revealed that 10 out of 26 completed construction sites exhibit serious ground instability, including cracking and erosion. This instability, particularly concerning given the region's recent history of wildfires that weakened the soil, poses a significant landslide risk, especially with the approaching monsoon season. The group's findings highlight a potential conflict between rapid infrastructure development and environmental safety, suggesting that cost-saving measures may have compromised the integrity of the construction. The proximity of these unstable sites to residential areas and natural attractions like the Gusokgok Natural Recreation Area raises alarm bells for local communities and the tourism industry. Noksaek Yeonhap's call for an immediate halt to construction, thorough safety evaluations, and enhanced disaster preparedness, including evacuation drills for the 50 households in the vicinity, underscores the urgency of the situation. The government's response, acknowledging the issues and promising remediation, will be closely watched to ensure that the safety of both residents and the environment is prioritized over development speed.

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The ground is weak due to the wildfire damage in March 2022, and the rapid construction to reduce time and cost has made the situation even more dangerous.