Northern Seoul mountains at severe risk of landslides

Villages near Mount Bukhan and Mount Bulam in northern Seoul are vulnerable to landslides, recent research has found, sparking fears of a repeat of July’s fatal landslides in the south of the capital.

According to the study released by Konkuk University’s Earth Information Engineering Lab on Sunday, the yearly sediment yields from erosion, which are directly linked to landslides, are projected to increase up to 28 percent by 2080 in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province.

Mount Bukhan and Mount Bulam were found to be particularly at risk. The two areas are likely to experience severe erosion, the researchers said, adding that preventative measures must be taken in the areas around the mountains.

Mountainous areas in eastern Gyeonggi Province were also at risk because of their high altitude and steep faces.

The research team said the areas in question were in need of debris barriers and other means of preventing the erosion of soil.

According to the study, landslides are becoming more common around Seoul.

So far this year, landslides occurred at 85 different locations, up 35 percent from the same period last year.

The total area affected marked a staggering 14-fold increase from last year to 77.36 square kilometers.

In July this year, extreme rain caused landslides on Mount Umyeon in south Seoul, killing 18 people.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)