A blaze on Friday swept through one of the last remaining shanty towns in South Korea, destroying makeshift residences and forcing dozens to evacuate, though no injuries were initially reported.
Fire officials stated that the fire in Guryong village, situated in southern Seoul, was largely brought under control.
Local fire officer Jeong Gwang-hun announced during a televised briefing that rescue teams were inspecting every property in the affected zone to search for potential victims.
According to Jeong, more than 1,200 personnel, including police and firefighters, were sent to the site, and the origin of the fire is currently being investigated.
Observers noted that the hillside settlement has suffered several fires over the years due to its densely packed houses constructed from highly flammable materials.
Positioned adjacent to some of the capital’s wealthiest districts – home to luxury shopping and high-rise apartments – the village remains a poignant symbol of the deep income disparity in South Korea.
Guryong was established in the 1980s to house residents evicted from their original neighbourhoods during extensive redevelopment and clearing schemes.
During that era, military-backed authorities displaced hundreds of thousands from low-income areas and slums, viewing the move as essential for urban beautification ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
