Hundreds flee as fire breaks out in one of Seoul's last slums

Hundreds of people fled their homes after a massive fire broke out in Guryong village, one of the last remaining slums in South Korea's capital Seoul. About 290 firefighters and 10 helicopters have been dispatched to contain the blaze that erupted at around 6:27 am. At least 40 homes in the 1,700-square-metre area have been destroyed.

A massive fire spread through a neighbourhood of densely packed, makeshift homes in South Korea's capital, destroyed at least 60 and forcing about 500 residents to flee. Credit: Reuters Photo

Officials said firefighters were bringing the fire under control and there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. Credit: Reuters Photo

More than 800 firefighters, police officers and public workers were deployed to fight the flame and handle evacuations after the fire broke out around 6:30 am. Credit: Reuters Photo

Photos from the scene showed firefighters fighting the flame under thick white smoke covering the village as helicopters sprayed water from above. Credit: Reuters Photo

The country is still reeling from its worst disaster in almost a decade, after nearly 160 people died in a crowd surge at a Seoul nightlife district in October. Credit: Reuters PhotoGuryong village, located near some of Seoul's most expensive real estate, has often been damaged by fire over the years, a vulnerability that has been linked to its tightly packed homes built with materials that easily burn.

Guryong village, located near some of Seoul's most expensive real estate, has often been damaged by fire over the years, a vulnerability that has been linked to its tightly packed homes built with materials that easily burn. Credit: Reuters Photo

The settlement was formed around 1988 by squatters evicted from other areas of Seoul in the nation's push to develop its capital prior to hosting the Olympics. Credit: Reuters Photo

There were around 550 households remaining in Guryong as of last year. Credit: AP/PTI Photo

Since 2012, the village has been hit by at least eight fires. Credit: AP/PTI Photo

South Korea is trying to tackle social disparity, and last year moved to ban the cramped basement flats made famous by Oscar-winning movie