Mapo District to Provide Free Flood Prevention Facilities for Underground and Semi-Basement Units Before Rainy Season

Support for Transparent Water Barrier Boards and Backflow Preventers
Up to 100% Coverage for Storm and Flood Insurance Premiums

On April 8, Mapo District in Seoul (Mayor Park Gangsu) announced plans to provide free installation of flood prevention facilities for underground and semi-basement units before the start of the full-fledged rainy season.

The support applies to underground or semi-basement units within Mapo District that are either single-family homes, small businesses with 10 or fewer regular employees, or multi-family residences excluding apartments. After conducting on-site inspections to determine eligibility, the district will install transparent water barrier boards and backflow preventers free of charge.

Kangsoo Park, Mayor of Mapo District, is inspecting a transparent water barrier panel. Courtesy of Mapo District.

The newly installed water barrier boards are made of transparent materials, ensuring they do not obstruct natural light or visibility. Unlike the previous opaque aluminum models, these boards are designed to minimize exterior damage. The backflow preventers are devices that block sewage from flowing back into basement residences when the public sewer level rises, and they are installed in bathrooms, sinks, and verandas.

Both property owners and tenants can apply, but tenants must obtain the landlord's consent. Applications can be made by calling the Water Management Division at Mapo District Office or by submitting a form in person. Applications will be accepted until the end of the year, but may close early if the budget is exhausted. Last year, the district installed flood prevention facilities at 1,132 sites for 289 households.

Mapo District is also operating a parallel support program for storm and earthquake insurance enrollment. Eligible facilities include residences (including movable property), small business stores and factories, and greenhouses such as vinyl houses. The insurance covers damage from typhoons, floods, heavy rain, strong winds, wind and waves, tidal waves, heavy snow, and earthquakes.

The support ratio for insurance premiums varies by demographic group. Economically vulnerable residents in disaster-prone areas receive 100% support, basic livelihood security recipients receive at least 87%, the next-lowest income group at least 78%, and general district residents at least 55%. The maximum compensation limit is 8 million won for homes damaged by flooding (for those under 50 square meters and at 100% compensation), and up to 150 million won for small business stores and factories.

General applicants can contact DB Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, KB Insurance, NH Insurance, Hanwha General Insurance, or Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance by phone, or enroll online via the National Disaster Safety Portal. Vulnerable groups should contact the Water Management Division at Mapo District Office or their local community center. The insurance coverage period is one year from the date of enrollment.

Mayor Park Gangsu stated, "Preemptive measures are essential to prepare for unpredictable disasters such as localized heavy rain caused by climate change. We will continue to implement effective safety measures to do our utmost to protect the lives and property of our residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.