Fire engulfs informal settlement in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district

Firefighting crews mobilised to tackle the fire that broke out in Guryong village, a densely populated area of modest dwellings that sits in stark contrast to the surrounding upmarket neighbourhood of Gangnam in South Korea's capital. The settlement, home to low-income residents, has long been marked by inadequate infrastructure and limited resources.

Guryong village represents one of Seoul's remaining pockets of poverty amid the city's gleaming high-rise developments and commercial districts. The community has faced ongoing challenges related to housing conditions, sanitation, and access to emergency services.

South Korean fire authorities did not immediately provide details on the extent of damage, number of casualties or the cause of the blaze. Rescue and response teams worked to contain the fire and assist residents in the affected area.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of informal settlements in major metropolitan areas, where densely packed structures and limited emergency infrastructure can exacerbate fire risks. Local authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation proceeds.