South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is planning to build its first civilian nuclear bunker, Korea Herald reported. The new facility will be constructed beneath a residential complex located in the Garak-dong neighborhood of Songpa-gu district.
According to reports, the project aims to strengthen the country’s civil defense and respond to potential nuclear or chemical threats. The government and the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation plan to complete the bunker’s construction by 2028.
The main purpose of the bunker is to protect citizens from nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. It will be located on the third basement level and will be part of a new residential complex consisting of 16 multi-story buildings.
The underground shelter, covering 2,147 square meters, will be able to accommodate up to 1,020 people at once. It will be equipped with ventilation, water supply and storage systems, and sewage facilities. This design will allow people to live underground independently for up to 14 days in an emergency.
A notable feature of the project is its dual purpose. During peacetime, the bunker will serve as a public fitness center, but in case of danger, it will transform into a protective facility. This will be the first structure in South Korea built solely for civilian use and designed to withstand a nuclear explosion.
City officials stated that this initiative was launched due to the need to modernize the civil defense system in line with new global realities and emerging threats.
“Modern threats are completely different from traditional ones. Through this project, we aim to enhance the role of shelters and ensure the safety of Seoul’s residents,” said the city administration in a statement.
The construction of the bunker is part of the national “Seoul Defense–2030” program. Under this plan, the government intends to create a network of protected shelters capable of safeguarding citizens in the event of nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks.
Experts note that in recent years, the number of nuclear tests conducted by North Korea has increased, raising the threat level in the region. Therefore, the South Korean government considers it essential to strengthen security infrastructure not only in the military but also in the civilian sector.
Seoul’s new bunker is viewed not merely as a modern defense project but as an important step toward ensuring citizen safety in today’s changing world.
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