Left Image: Sampoong Department Store Collapse - External source

Right Image: Wikipedia - Sampoong Department Store Collapse

Context and Construction

On June 29, 1995, the Sampoong Department Store in Seoul collapsed, marking one of the worst structural disasters in modern history. This tragic event claimed the lives of 502 people and injured 937 others. 

The Sampoong Department Store, located in the Seocho district of Seoul, was a five-story complex built in 1987. It was one of the largest and most popular shopping centers in South Korea's capital. However, from its inception, the building exhibited structural flaws and violations of building codes:

Changes to the Initial Plan: The building was initially designed to be an office complex. However, the owner, Lee Joon, altered the plans to transform it into a department store without consulting the engineers responsible for the original design.

Defective Construction: The construction process was plagued by the use of substandard materials and unauthorized modifications, such as the addition of an extra floor for a rooftop garden and the installation of large air conditioning units.

Warning Signs

Warning signs of deterioration had appeared well before the collapse:

Cracks and Sagging: Visible cracks appeared in the ceilings and walls of the department store. Structural sagging was also reported, but management chose to either ignore these issues or make superficial repairs.

Fifth Floor Closure: A few days before the collapse, the fifth floor, which housed a restaurant, was closed due to significant cracks in the floor.

The Collapse

At 5:57 PM on June 29, 1995, the Sampoong Department Store collapsed suddenly. The building’s structure gave way in less than twenty seconds, trapping hundreds of people inside. The upper floors caved in on the lower ones, creating a pile of rubble and debris.

Rescue Operations

Rescue efforts began immediately and continued for several days. Rescue teams, consisting of firefighters, police officers, and volunteers, worked tirelessly to find survivors among the debris. Several people were miraculously found alive, including a young woman, Park Seung-hyun, who was rescued 17 days after the collapse.

Consequences and Reforms

The collapse of the Sampoong Department Store had far-reaching consequences in South Korea:

Trials and Sentencing: Lee Joon, the building's owner, along with several construction officials, were arrested and prosecuted for their roles in the disaster. Lee Joon was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Building Regulation Reforms: The incident led to a revision of building regulations in South Korea. Stricter measures were implemented to ensure the safety of buildings and to prevent future tragedies.

Safety Awareness: The disaster raised public and governmental awareness of the importance of construction safety and vigilance in response to signs of structural deterioration.

The collapse of the Sampoong Department Store remains a national tragedy deeply ingrained in the collective memory of South Korea. It served as a crucial lesson on the dangers of negligence and corruption in the construction industry. Today, it stands as a reminder of the importance of responsibility and transparency in safeguarding human life and ensuring public safety.