The record snow and ice last month left billions of won in damage in its wake, and island roads are among the casualties, as many are now riddled with potholes. Mike Laidman reports.

[slug]
Hallim-eup, Jeju City

Some of Jeju’s roads have holes in them, as if they have been struck by small grenades. These potholes can cause drivers to lose control. Some even risk causing an accident rather than drive over one.

INTERVIEW
Koh Dong-beom / Taxi driver
They can cause the steering wheel to suddenly jerk, which makes me nervous. They can also damage the shock absorbers. The roads really need to be fixed.
< 고동범 / 택시기사 >
핸들이 갑자기 돌려지고 패인 곳 있으면 불안하죠. 차도 완충기
같은 게 덜컹거리면 나가버리니까 메워줬으면 좋겠습니다.

[slug]
Cold snap damaged several roads

When ice melts, the pavement contracts, and can leave gaps where water can enter. The next time it freezes, it expands, cracking the pavement. This cycle of freezing and thawing is what causes the breaks.

When salt is used, it lowers the freezing point of water, creating an artificial freeze-thaw cycle that allows for more damage to occur. Potholes are therefore a common site around the island.

Interview
Jeju Island Road Management Office official
In the winter, it’s normal for us to be busy repairing roads. Cracks and potholes are especially easy to find once the ice has melted. We have to salt the roads so the ice melts.
< 제주도 도로관리사업소 관계자 >
한겨울철 지나다 보면 도로에 보수할 부분이 많아요. 금간 곳이나
패인 부분들이, 아무래도 얼었다가 풀리고 하다보면...
///
염화칼슘하고 소금 안 쓰면 눈이 녹지를 않아요.

Potholes not only interfere with safe driving, but can be the cause of accidents, too.

[camera]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

[REPORTER]
Mike Laidman

There is still a lot of work to do following the cold wave that recently hit the island.
In the event you come across one of these potholes while driving, try not to use your brakes too suddenly, and avoid quick changes in direction.

Mike Laidman, KCTV