Fire Exposes Deep Inequality in Seoul’s Wealthiest District

Post by : Saif

A major fire that broke out in Guryong Village, a poor settlement inside Seoul’s wealthy Gangnam district, has once again drawn attention to the sharp gap between rich and poor living conditions in South Korea. While the fire was fully put out without any loss of life, it left hundreds of people shaken and homeless, reminding the country of long-standing housing problems.

The fire started shortly after 5 a.m. on Friday and spread quickly through the narrow lanes of the settlement. Thick black smoke rose into the sky and could be seen from far away. Firefighters worked for nearly eight hours before bringing the blaze completely under control at around 1:28 p.m.

Authorities said no injuries or deaths were reported, which came as a relief. However, 258 residents were evacuated as a safety measure. To fight the fire, officials deployed 324 firefighters, 106 vehicles, and a helicopter once air conditions improved later in the morning.

Residents described moments of fear and confusion. Many were asleep when the fire began and only escaped after neighbours raised the alarm. Elderly residents, some of whom have lived there for decades, were seen leaving their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

Guryong Village is often called Seoul’s last shantytown. It sits in sharp contrast to the luxury apartments, offices, and shopping areas that define Gangnam. The settlement was formed in the 1970s and 1980s, when families displaced by major development projects moved onto unused land without official permission.

Homes in the area are built very close together and made from flammable materials such as vinyl sheets, plywood, and Styrofoam. Fire officials have warned for years that this makes the village extremely vulnerable to disasters. A similar fire in 2023 led to safety warnings, but little has changed for those still living there.

Although redevelopment plans are in place to replace the settlement with modern high-rise buildings, about 336 households still remain. Many residents worry about where they will go next and whether they can afford housing elsewhere. For them, redevelopment brings uncertainty as much as hope.

The fire has now raised fresh questions about urban safety, social responsibility, and inclusive development. In a city known for modern infrastructure and wealth, the existence of such vulnerable living conditions shows that progress has not reached everyone equally.

While the quick response of emergency services prevented a tragedy, the incident highlights a deeper issue. Until safe and affordable housing solutions are found for all residents, disasters like this will continue to threaten the most vulnerable — even in the heart of South Korea’s richest districts.

#trending #latest #SouthKorea #Gangnam #GuryongVillage #SeoulFire #UrbanInequality #HousingCrisis #FireSafety #SocialIssues