A major fire has devastated a densely packed shantytown in one of Seoul's wealthiest districts, leading to a mass evacuation in the early hours of Friday morning.
Hundreds Forced to Flee Early Morning Inferno
The blaze erupted in Guryong village, a settlement of makeshift homes located within the upscale Gangnam district of South Korea's capital. Fire officials reported that the fire began shortly after 5am local time on Friday 16 January 2026.
Emergency services swiftly moved to evacuate more than 250 residents from their homes as flames spread through the tightly packed community. Authorities have confirmed that, remarkably, no injuries were reported.
Massive Firefighting Operation
Nearly 300 firefighters were mobilised to tackle the inferno, supported by a fleet of 85 fire engines. The scale of the response underscored the significant risk posed by the fire in an area known for its high susceptibility to blazes.
The firefighting operation was a protracted one. Crews managed to bring the flames under control and finally extinguish the fire approximately eight hours later.
Investigation and Redevelopment Plans
Once the site is fully secured, an official investigation will begin to determine the precise cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage inflicted on the village.
Guryong village has long been slated for redevelopment, a fact highlighted by the incident. The community's informal construction and dense layout have repeatedly raised concerns about fire safety risks.
This dramatic event casts a stark light on the socio-economic contrasts within Seoul, where an impoverished informal settlement exists in the shadow of Gangnam's iconic affluence.
