Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Major Fire in Gangnam Slum
There was a big fire in a poor area of Gangnam, which is a rich part of Seoul.
Many firefighters came to put out the fire.
Some people had to leave their homes, but no one was hurt.
The firefighters were worried the fire might spread to a nearby mountain.
The area is due to be redeveloped into high-rise buildings, and most residents have already moved out.
The cause of the fire is not known yet.
A major fire broke out in Guryong Village, a deprived area of Gangnam district, Seoul, at about 5:10 a.m. on January 16, 2024.
Nearly 300 firefighters and 85 fire trucks were deployed to combat the blaze, with authorities raising the fire alert to the second-highest level.
No casualties were reported, but 47 residents were evacuated from the area, which houses about 110 people.
Firefighters were concerned about the fire spreading to a nearby mountain due to haze and fine dust in the city.
Guryong Village is due to be redeveloped into high-rise residential buildings, with about 336 households remaining in the area.
- Who
- South Korean firefighters and residents of Guryong Village in Gangnam district, Seoul
- What
- A major fire in a deprived area of Gangnam district, Seoul
- When
- January 16, 2024, at about 5:10 a.m. (2010 GMT on Thursday)
- Where
- Guryong Village, Gangnam district, Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- The cause of the fire is not specified in the article.
Residents' Concerns
Authorities' Actions
Future of the Area
Residents' Concerns
Residents are worried about where they will live if their homes are destroyed, as the area is due for redevelopment.
Authorities' Actions
Authorities are focusing on rescuing lives and extinguishing the fire, with the Safety Minister ordering all available personnel and equipment to be mobilized.
- Location
- Guryong Village, Gangnam district, Seoul, South Korea
- Date
- January 16, 2024
- Time of Fire
- 5:10 a.m. (2010 GMT on Thursday)
- Firefighters Deployed
- About 300
- Fire Trucks Sent
- 85
- Residents Evacuated
- 47
- Total Residents in Area
- About 110
- Remaining Households
- 336
- Casualties Reported
- None
Sources
Major fire breaks out in slum area of South Korea’s Gangnam district, Yonhap reports
Major fire breaks out in slum area of South Korea’s Gangnam district
Hundreds of firefighters tackle blaze in deprived area of South Korea’s Gangnam district
South Korea: Two men behind nation's worst-ever wildfires get suspended prison terms
Major blaze extinguished in deprived area of South Korea’s Gangnam district
