Free flood, typhoon and earthquake disaster insurance for all-floor tenants and below-ground homeowners; coverage of up to one year for natural disaster damage including flooding, typhoons, strong winds and earthquakes; free loan of flood barriers, portable water stoppers and submersible pumps to prevent inundation damage
Gwangjin-gu (district mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is rolling out free flood and earthquake disaster insurance enrollment support and a free equipment loan program ahead of the full onset of the monsoon and typhoon season, aiming to minimize property damage for residents.
Natural disasters — including concentrated downpours, typhoons and localized heavy rain — have grown more frequent due to climate change in recent years, driving up the scale of flood-related damage.
In response, the district has strengthened its prevention-focused disaster response framework and is operating a range of support programs to deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The flood and earthquake disaster insurance is a government-backed policy that compensates for property damage caused by natural disasters including typhoons, heavy rain, floods, strong winds, storm surges, heavy snowfall and earthquakes. Gwangjin-gu covers the full premium for all-floor tenants and owners of below-ground housing units.
Coverage runs for one year from the enrollment date. If flooding renders a residential space unusable without repairs — excluding simple leaks — tenants can receive up to 6 million won (approximately $3,940) in compensation, while owners can receive up to 8 million won. Damage from other natural disasters is also compensable depending on the extent of the loss.
Residents can apply via mobile phone or by visiting their nearest neighborhood community center. For further details, contact the flood insurance consultation center or Gwangjin-gu's Water Management Division.
In addition, the district operates a free equipment loan program for flood-prone below-ground and semi-basement homes, underground parking facilities in apartment complexes, commercial establishments and traditional markets.
Available items include portable flood barriers, handheld water stoppers and submersible pumps — equipment that can be quickly deployed during heavy rain to prevent inundation. Residents wishing to borrow equipment should call their nearest neighborhood community center or the Gwangjin-gu Water Management Division before visiting to pick it up free of charge.
The district plans to intensify facility inspections and preventive activities in flood-vulnerable areas ahead of the monsoon season and to maintain a rapid response system in the event of a disaster, doing its utmost to protect residents' lives and property.
"Preparing in advance for the monsoon and typhoons is the best way to reduce damage," district mayor Kim Kyung-ho said. "I encourage residents to make full use of the flood insurance and anti-inundation equipment, and we will continue to do our best in disaster response to keep our residents safe."
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