Major fire in Seoul shantytown extinguished after nearly 13 hours

Emergency services in South Korea's capital have extinguished a major fire that ravaged a densely populated informal settlement in one of Seoul's wealthiest neighbourhoods. The blaze struck Guryong village in the Gangnam district, an area known for its sharp contrasts between luxury developments and low-income communities.

The fire destroyed or damaged 77 residential units, leaving 107 people without immediate shelter. Emergency responders worked through the night to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent structures in the tightly packed settlement.

Guryong village, nestled beneath major roads and apartment complexes in Gangnam, has long been home to lower-income households despite the district's reputation for wealth and upscale living. The community has periodically faced hazards associated with informal housing, including fire risks from aging wooden structures and limited emergency access.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the cause of the fire or preliminary damage assessments. Displaced residents are expected to receive temporary assistance from local government agencies while recovery and reconstruction efforts are planned.