North Gyeongsang Province will conduct safety inspections of 21 maritime pedestrian bridges along the East Sea coast through Sept. 18.
The inspections were prompted by the collapse of a maritime pedestrian bridge in Pohang on July 28, the province said Monday. The checks aim to identify hazards at facilities with similar structures and coastal environments before accidents occur.
The province said it will focus particularly on facilities that fall outside the scope of regular inspections under the Special Act on the Safety and Maintenance of Facilities.
The 21 sites span five cities and counties — Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, Uljin and Ulleung.
They include the Homigot trail in Pohang, the Mulbit Sarang Bridge in Gyeongju, the Samsa maritime walkway in Yeongdeok, the Euneo Bridge in Uljin, and the Gwaneumdo causeway and coastal trail on Ulleungdo.
Working alongside private experts, inspectors will assess structural damage such as cracks, spalling and delamination, check for corrosion and deterioration caused by the coastal environment, and evaluate the condition of railings, safety fences and other ancillary fixtures.
"Through this inspection, we will proactively identify risk factors and swiftly take necessary measures so that residents and tourists can use these facilities with confidence," said Kim Sang-cheol, director of the province's safety administration office.
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