Following multiple sinkhole incidents in Sasang-gu last month, reports of suspected sinkholes across Busan have more than doubled, though most have turned out to be potholes or minor road cracks.

Between April 14 and May 8, 43 reports of ground subsidence were submitted to 15 districts, excluding Busanjin-gu with Saha-gu and Haeundae-gu receiving the most.

Only nine of the reports involved slight ground sinking from aging sewer pipes; 79% were confirmed as non-hazardous issues.

Officials say the surge reflects “sinkhole trauma,” driven by fear and insufficient public information.

Residents of Sasang’s Saebyeok-ro, where previous sinkholes occurred, continue to express concerns about further collapses.

Local leaders have criticized the lack of transparency in ongoing investigations.

The Busan City Audit Committee began inspecting the affected areas in late April, and results are expected by July. Daily sinkhole-related reports have risen from 0.8 to 1.7 since the Sasang incidents.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu