Heavy rainfall overnight submerged underground shopping areas and a screen-golf center in Paju, northern Gyeonggi Province, causing widespread power outages [1, 2].
The flooding highlights the vulnerability of subterranean commercial spaces during extreme weather events, where drainage failures can lead to immediate and costly equipment loss.
At one screen-golf facility, water overwhelmed the drainage systems and a pump, leading to significant ingress. A representative for the facility said water penetrated the control devices, rendering the equipment unusable [1]. The operator estimated the pure damage to the facility at nearly 100 million won [1].
Recovery efforts involved removing approximately 15 tons of rainwater from the premises [1]. Despite the pumping efforts, clear marks of flooding remain throughout the facility, and most of the electricity has been cut [1].
The incident was part of a broader pattern of heavy rain across northern Gyeonggi Province that left various areas submerged or damaged [1, 2]. Local residents and business owners in the region reported similar struggles as the rain overwhelmed local infrastructure.
Facility operators in the area are now assessing the full extent of the losses as they attempt to restore power and clean the debris left behind by the surge.
“Water penetrated the control devices, rendering the equipment unusable.”
This incident underscores a recurring infrastructure challenge in South Korea's urban planning, where underground commercial hubs are highly susceptible to flash flooding. The failure of onsite pumps and drainage systems during peak rainfall suggests that current mitigation measures may be insufficient for the increasing intensity of seasonal storms, potentially leading to higher insurance premiums and stricter building codes for subterranean businesses.
