The Jung-gu district of Seoul announced on the 8th that it will install underground emergency firefighting device boxes (underground firefighting devices) at 30 markets across 19 locations by June.
This device is buried under the roads in the markets and does not obstruct traffic during normal times. However, when a fire occurs, it can be opened to immediately use fire hoses and firefighting tools.
Jung-gu has 49 markets, including traditional markets, alley-style shopping streets, and underground shopping arcades. This represents 15% of all markets in Seoul and is the largest number among 226 basic local governments nationwide.
The 19 markets where the underground firefighting devices will be installed include Namdaemun Market in Hoehyeon-dong, Jungbu Market and Bangsan Market in Euljiro-dong, Seoul Central Market and Kitchen Furniture Street in Hwanghak-dong, and Inhyeon Market in Gwanghui-dong. These will be installed in traditional markets and alley-style shopping streets, excluding building-type markets and underground shopping centers.
Traditional markets have narrow alleys and dense stores, making it difficult for fire trucks to access. Once a fire breaks out, there is a high risk of a large-scale fire spreading. The underground firefighting devices introduced by Jung-gu were designed with the structure of traditional markets, which may cause delays in on-site response, in mind. They measure 1 meter in both width and height, with fire hoses reaching up to 50 meters.
Jung-gu installed two pilot underground firefighting devices by 2021. After confirming the need for additional devices through a research project last year, three more were installed. Subsequently, a total budget of 760 million won, including 160 million won from Seoul's special subsidies and 600 million won from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's earmarked tax, was secured entirely from external resources, allowing for at least one device to be installed in every alley-style market this year.
Jung-gu held a briefing on the underground firefighting device installation project on the 4th, attended by merchants and residents near the markets. One merchant said, "If the underground firefighting devices are installed, merchants can quickly respond before a fire escalates into a major disaster."
After completing the installation of the underground firefighting devices in the first half of this year, Jung-gu plans to conduct training for market merchants on initial fire response methods. After installation, the Jungbu Fire Station will systematically manage the devices.
Kim Gil-seong, head of Jung-gu Office, said, "Jung-gu, with a 630-year history, has outdated markets that are vulnerable to fires," and added, "We will create traditional markets that anyone can feel safe in."