Gangnam-gu mobilizes housing, meals and relief supplies for Guryong Village fire victims

Gangnam-gu has launched a comprehensive relief effort for residents displaced by the Guryong Village fire, providing temporary lodging, meals and relief supplies while working to secure longer-term housing for those who lost their homes.

The district office announced Thursday that it is supporting 97 people from 60 households affected by the fire, which broke out Oct. 27, and is coordinating with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and SH Corporation to arrange stable housing.

Immediately after the fire, the district set up temporary shelters at Gaepo Middle School and Guryong Middle School, providing meals and daily necessities. A mobile medical team from the district health center offered health consultations and emergency first aid, and the district distributed 63 infection-prevention kits while carrying out disinfection work.

The district later secured private accommodation at hotels and helped displaced residents relocate from the shelters Sunday. A team of 63 people — including district staff, Red Cross workers and volunteers — assisted with hotel check-ins and vehicle transport.

Temporary accommodation support has been extended through Tuesday in coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city covers lodging costs of 100,000 won ($75) per household per day, with any excess charged to the Gangnam Welfare Foundation fund so residents bear no out-of-pocket costs. Meals are provided at 27,000 won per person per day, covering three meals. The district has stationed support teams at two hotels and at the district office to address residents' needs and concerns.

Relief supplies continue to arrive. Fifteen organizations — including the Korean Red Cross, the National Disaster Relief Association and the Gangnam Welfare Foundation — have delivered 11,436 items across 26 categories, including clothing, cold-weather gear, food, hygiene products and mobile phone chargers. The district delivers items to residents daily based on their needs.

The district is also preparing housing solutions for after the temporary accommodation period ends. SH Corporation has secured a total of 435 units — 96 emergency temporary units and 339 temporary relocation units — and is accepting applications. The emergency units are available for six months with possible extensions; deposits are waived and rent is reduced by 60 percent. The remaining 40 percent is expected to be covered through disaster relief funds, pending coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Support will continue beyond the emergency relief period. Households meeting criteria related to the extent of property damage and income and asset thresholds will receive emergency welfare living allowances. The district also plans to raise donations through the Gangnam Welfare Foundation and connect residents with private sponsors for tailored household-level assistance.

On-site operations are ongoing. The district has maintained a field operations center at Guryong Village since the day of the fire and will keep it running until the situation is resolved. Staff are present daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to handle residents' concerns, distribute relief supplies and coordinate with relevant agencies.

Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said the district would take care to ensure that residents who suddenly lost their homes do not struggle to meet basic needs such as shelter, food and clothing. "We will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, SH and other agencies to secure stable housing and support residents in returning to their daily lives," Kim said.