Speaker
Description
Cities are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, necessitating innovative approaches to mitigate environmental hazards and enhance resilience (IPCC, 2014). Gangnam, a dense and economically vital district in Seoul, South Korea, faces escalating flood risks exacerbated by the combined pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization. Notably, the severe flooding in 2022 highlighted the district’s vulnerability, which stems from its low-lying geography, insufficient green spaces, and aging drainage systems (Park et al., 2024; Lee, 2017). Despite governmental efforts to introduce temporary solutions, these reactive measures have proven limited in their long-term effectiveness, underscoring the need for comprehensive, preventative strategies for disaster risk management.
This research investigates the feasibility of adopting the "Sponge City" concept, a nature-based approach originally developed by Yu Kongjian (Yu, 2016), to address Gangnam’s flood challenges. Central to this framework are green infrastructure solutions such as permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, and artificial wetlands, designed to enhance stormwater management by absorbing, retaining, and filtering runoff at its source (Li et al., 2017). To complement these strategies, the study examines the integration of the planned Deep Tunnel Sewer System (DTSS), set to be completed in 2028, as part of a hybrid approach that balances engineered and nature-based solutions (Park et al., 2024).
A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and flood simulation modeling to identify high-risk areas, project future rainfall scenarios, and assess the effectiveness of proposed interventions. GIS-based spatial analysis incorporates data on land use, topography, and hydrology, providing a detailed understanding of Gangnam’s flood vulnerabilities (Lee et al., 2023; Lei et al., 2021). Simulation modeling evaluates the impact of Sponge City interventions on reducing surface runoff, peak water flow, and flood extents, offering actionable insights for sustainable urban planning.
To ensure the feasibility and acceptance of these solutions, stakeholder engagement plays a central role in this research. Collaboration with municipal governments, environmental agencies, and local communities addresses land-use conflicts, regulatory challenges, and public perceptions (Reed, 2008). Policy recommendations include strategies to incentivize green infrastructure, enforce land-use regulations, and foster integrated governance frameworks that align technical solutions with social equity considerations.
By demonstrating the capacity of the Sponge City concept to mitigate flooding, enhance urban livability, and build resilience, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how nature-based solutions can complement conventional infrastructure in dense urban environments. The findings offer Gangnam actionable strategies for sustainable flood management while providing a replicable framework for other cities facing similar challenges. This study aligns with the conference’s call for proactive disaster risk management and highlights the importance of shifting from short-term emergency responses to holistic, preventative resilience-building practices.
References
IPCC (2014) Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Cambridge University Press.
Lee B-J (2017) Analysis on Inundation Characteristics for Flood Impact Forecasting in Gangnam Drainage Basin. Daegi 27(2): 189–197.
Lee S, Choi Y, Ji J, et al. (2023) Flood vulnerability assessment of an urban area: A case study in Seoul, South Korea. Water 15(11). MDPI AG: 1979.
Lei X, Chen W, Panahi M, et al. (2021) Urban flood modeling using deep-learning approaches in Seoul, South Korea. Journal of hydrology 601(126684). Elsevier BV: 126684.
Li F, Ding Y, Li B, et al. (2017) Sponge City construction in China: A survey of the challenges and strategies. Water 9(9). Water.
Park S, Kim J and Kang J (2024) Exploring optimal deep tunnel sewer systems to enhance urban pluvial flood resilience in the gangnam region, South Korea. Journal of environmental management 357: 120762.
Reed MS (2008) Stakeholder participation for environmental management: A literature review. Biological conservation 141(10). Elsevier BV: 2417–2431.
Yu K (2016) Sponge City: Theory and practice. In: Yu K and Li K (eds) Sponge City: A New Approach for Water-Based Urban Planning. China Architecture & Building Press, pp. 1–20.
| Keywords | Sponge City; Flood Resilience; Green Infrastructure; Climate Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
