Monsoon Season Fuels Pothole Surge in South Korea, Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution

Drivers across South Korea are increasingly reporting dangerous encounters with potholes, a hazard exacerbated by the ongoing monsoon season. The country has been hit by heavy rains, leading to a significant increase in road damage and creating treacherous conditions for motorists.

“

I was lucky I held the steering wheel tightly with both hands. Otherwise, it could have led to a major accident.

Online communities for drivers, particularly those operating commercial vehicles, have become hubs for sharing information about pothole-ridden areas and issuing safety warnings. One driver recounted a near-miss, stating, "I was lucky I held the steering wheel tightly with both hands. Otherwise, it could have led to a major accident." Another driver reported seeing "more than 20 vehicles stopped due to pothole accidents" in a single day.

“

There are so many potholes from the uphill before the Mungyeong Saejae IC on the central inland expressway northbound. There are deep ones, so watch the road ahead carefully. Small trucks should be especially careful.

Data from the Korea Expressway Corporation reveals that potholes are 1.5 times more common in July and August than the monthly average, accounting for 25.7% of all incidents over the past five years. Experts attribute this surge to rainwater seeping into asphalt cracks, weakening the road surface under the weight of vehicles. This phenomenon is also observed in winter due to snow and de-icing agents.

“

Potholes are dangerous because they are invisible to the driver. In the summer, keep this in mind, observe the speed limit, and maintain a wider distance between vehicles than usual to prepare for accidents.

Road safety officials are emphasizing the need for increased vigilance from drivers, including reduced speeds and greater following distances, especially during periods of heavy rain. They also stress the importance of proactive road maintenance, with authorities encouraged to bolster monitoring efforts and ensure prompt repairs to mitigate the risks associated with these hazardous road conditions.

“

As much as the driver is careful, it is important that the road environment is safely equipped. Even in areas where it hasn't rained much yet, there is a need to preemptively check drainage and prevent flooding using sandbags.