Full Breakdown
The Struggle of Guryong: Seoul's Hidden Slum Amidst Wealth
3/29/2026, 12:15:00 PM
Overview of Guryong Village
Guryong Village, a 28.7-hectare unauthorized settlement located in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, starkly contrasts the surrounding wealth, symbolizing the significant economic disparity in South Korea's capital. Residents like 85-year-old Madam Lee Chang-wol have lived in cramped, inadequate conditions for decades, with her one-room hut lacking basic amenities such as a toilet. The city government has initiated efforts to clear the village for redevelopment, offering residents minimal compensation, which has sparked resistance among the community.
Eviction and Resistance
Since 2023, the Seoul city government has requested that 1,107 households vacate Guryong, with many residents having lived there for over 40 years. While some have accepted offers for subsidized temporary housing, hundreds remain, demanding better compensation terms. The city has posted eviction notices throughout the village, but residents have responded by erecting a watchtower adorned with banners asserting their right to remain. This situation has polarized opinions; some view the residents as obstructing development, while others see them as victims of South Korea's rapid economic growth, fighting for their right to housing.
Historical Context
Guryong's origins trace back to the 1980s when the South Korean government began clearing slums in central Seoul in preparation for the 1988 Olympics. As residents were displaced, many moved to undeveloped areas like Guryong, constructing makeshift homes from salvaged materials. The city has historically refused to recognize these dwellings as legitimate housing, preventing residents from claiming compensation or legal rights. This lack of recognition has led to a persistent informal housing market, where residents often sell their homes without official acknowledgment.
Living Conditions and Community Life
Despite the harsh living conditions, Guryong has developed a tight-knit community, with grocery stores, churches, and an autonomous council that once served up to 10,000 residents. However, the village's infrastructure is deteriorating, with many homes in disrepair and lacking basic services such as water and electricity. The community has faced numerous challenges, including a recent fire that destroyed several homes, leaving residents like Madam Ko Jae-ok homeless and without their life savings.
Official Statements and Community Sentiment
The city government's approach has been met with criticism from residents who feel their needs are being ignored. Many argue that the compensation offered is insufficient to secure new housing in the area. Mr. Baek Su-hyeon, a resident, described the city's offers as exploitative, stating, “It’s like robbing people who have nowhere else to go.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among Guryong's residents, who feel marginalized and overlooked in the face of urban development.
Conclusion
The plight of Guryong Village highlights the stark economic divide in Seoul, where the rich thrive in luxury while the poor struggle for basic housing. As the city pushes forward with redevelopment plans, the future of Guryong's residents remains uncertain, raising critical questions about housing rights and social equity in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
