Unlocking deep groundwater in South Korea

Securing reliable groundwater is a growing priority for communities and industries in South Korea, especially in regions where demand for domestic and agricultural supply continues to rise. In Yeosu, known for its mountainous terrain and hard rock layers, local waterwell specialist Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu faced increasing pressure to drill deeper wells efficiently. To meet these demands, the company introduced Atlas Copco’s X28 portable air compressor, enabling rapid drilling beyond 300 meters in one of the country’s most challenging geological environments.

Founded in Yeosu, Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu has long supported rural and industrial areas throughout the region. As shallow wells began proving insufficient for stable and long‑term groundwater supply, the company required equipment that could consistently deliver the pressure needed for deep‑rock penetration without sacrificing mobility or cost‑efficiency. With the X28, the company gained the high‑pressure performance necessary to complete deep waterwell projects more quickly and reliably.

Deep‑rock drilling that demands higher pressure

Waterwell depths in Yeosu commonly range from 50 to 150 meters (164 to 492 feet), but growing groundwater demand has pushed contractors to drill deeper — often through some of the hardest rock formations in South Korea.

Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu previously operated a 25bar, 900cfm compressor, but pressure loss in hard rock slowed progress and extended project timelines.

To improve efficiency without raising operating costs, the company turned to the 30 bar Atlas Copco X28, designed specifically to maintain stable airflow in deep and demanding applications.

“With the X28, our drilling speed nearly doubled even in deep, hard‑rock layers,” says Hongseok Yeom, CEO of Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu. “Reaching 300 metres [984 feet] is now a standard part of our workflow.”

Performance and mobility tailored to coastal terrain

Drilling sites around Yeosu are often located on slopes, narrow access roads, or agricultural plots where space is limited. This makes a compressor’s footprint and maneuverability critical.

The Atlas Copco X28 brings:

• 30 bar pressure for deeper, faster rock penetration
• A compact, lightweight design for easier movement on uneven terrain
• An electronic control system that provides early warnings and helps prevent breakdowns during long drilling runs

With these features, drilling 100 metres (328 feet) now takes 2.5–3 hours, compared to the previous five hours. This efficiency allows the company to complete deep‑well projects within tighter schedules without increasing hourly operating costs.

“With its high pressure and smart controls, the X28 is designed for exactly these types of deep‑well applications,” explains Jaehoon Ahn, Product Marketing Specialist, Atlas Copco Korea & Japan. “Its portability and reliability make it a strong fit for Korea’s terrain.”

Reliable operation that supports long‑term productivity

Beyond speed, Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu values the X28’s consistency during long drilling runs. The electronic control system reduces the risk of overheating or pressure fluctuations, helping operators maintain stable performance throughout deep‑well projects.

“Contractors depend on equipment that performs reliably in the field,” notes Moosun Park, Business Line Manager, Atlas Copco Korea & Japan. “Our goal is to support companies like Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu with solutions that operate efficiently from one project to the next.”

Supporting groundwater development across the province

By integrating the Atlas Copco X28 into its operations, Yeosu Jonghap Jihasu has strengthened its capability to deliver reliable groundwater development across South Korea’s southern regions. Its high‑pressure output, compact mobility, and intelligent control system enable contractors to work faster and with greater confidence — even when drilling through some of the toughest rock formations in the country.