Seoul fire: 258 people evacuated from Goryeong neighborhood; details of the incident
Today, the South Korean capital, Seoul, witnessed a tragic incident in which a huge fire broke out in the “Guryeong” neighborhood, one of the last remaining slum areas in the city, prompting a large security mobilization and urgent measures to protect the residents.
Details of the incident and evacuation operations
South Korea's National Fire Service stated in an official statement that firefighters were able to fully control and extinguish the blaze after more than eight hours of continuous work. The fire broke out in an area south of the capital, destroying several informal housing units.
Authorities confirmed that the incident forced approximately 258 people to flee their homes urgently, and they were evacuated to safe locations and temporary shelters provided by the local government. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which rescue teams considered an achievement given the densely populated nature of the area and the rapid spread of the flames.
Goryeong District: A symbol of class inequality and the shadow of "Gangnam"
This fire is not just an accident; it highlights the reality of Guryong Village. This slum lies in the shadow of the luxurious skyscrapers of the famous and wealthy Gangnam district, making it a stark symbol of economic inequality in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
This area was established in the late 1980s, specifically in conjunction with the 1988 Seoul Olympics, when many poor residents were evicted from other areas of the capital to make way for urban development projects, ending up in this slum.
Recurring risks and fragile infrastructure
Most of the houses in Goryong Village are made of highly flammable materials such as thin wood, cardboard, and vinyl coverings, making them extremely vulnerable to devastating fires. Furthermore, the very narrow paths between the houses impede access for large fire trucks, further complicating efforts to control any fires that break out in the area.
This was not the first time that the residents of the neighborhood had suffered from disasters; the area had witnessed similar fires in previous years, as well as seasonal floods that often led to significant financial losses for the residents who live in difficult living conditions.
Investigations and future steps
The National Fire Service and the Korean police announced they are conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation, in addition to a thorough technical investigation, to determine the direct causes of the fire. These investigations also aim to assess the precise extent of property damage, amidst renewed calls from human rights and community organizations for a permanent solution to the problem of informal housing in the area and the provision of safe housing for its residents.
