Fire Rages Through Seoul's Last Shantytown: Guryong Village Evacuated

A major fire erupted in Guryong Village, a shantytown in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, prompting the evacuation of 47 residents. Nearly 300 firefighters battled the blaze, which started early Friday. The village, slated for redevelopment, remains vulnerable due to its densely packed, flammable structures.

A major fire in Guryong Village, situated in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, forced 47 residents to evacuate as nearly 300 firefighters worked to control the blaze. Emerging early Friday morning, the fire prompted authorities to raise the alert to a high level, fearing it would spread to a nearby mountain.

The village, described as Seoul's largest remaining shantytown, arose from the displacement of families during the 1970s and 1980s due to large-scale public projects. These houses, often built with flammable materials like vinyl sheets and plywood, make the area particularly fire-prone.

Guryong Village is in line for redevelopment into high-rise residential buildings. While most residents have moved out for the redevelopment, approximately 336 households still remain. The South Korean Safety Minister emphasized the use of all available resources to manage the fire and ensure residents' safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)