Major Fire Erupts in Seoul's Guryong Village Shantytown, No Casualties Reported

A major fire broke out early January 16 in Guryong Village, a shantytown in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, prompting evacuation of up to 258 residents. Nearly 300 firefighters and over 100 vehicles responded, with a helicopter deployed after morning haze cleared. No casualties were reported. The fire, fueled by densely packed, flammable makeshift homes, raised concerns about spreading to nearby hills. Guryong Village, formed in the 1980s from displaced families, is slated for redevelopment into high-rise buildings. Authorities are investigating the cause.