Court Forces Demolition of Illegal Watchtower in 'Gangnam Shantytown' Guryong Village

The court has initiated the forced demolition of a watchtower erected in Guryong Village, Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul—an area known as the last shantytown in Gangnam.

On the 18th, the watchtower and temporary tents installed at the entrance of Guryong Village in Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are being dismantled by the Seoul Central District Court bailiffs and related officials. Yonhap News

At around 6:30 a.m. on September 18, the Seoul Central District Court entered Guryong Village and began compulsory execution procedures to dismantle the watchtower. Two hundred and fifty police officers, including personnel from police mobile units and Suseo Police Station, are supporting the court enforcement officers with the administrative operation.

This watchtower was installed at the village entrance in November 2024. Last month, on the 12th, the court ordered Yoo, the chair of the Guryong Village Integrated Residents' Self-Governance Committee, to dismantle the watchtower. Yoo was indicted for violating the Urban Development Act by constructing the watchtower without permission.

However, since Yoo did not comply, the authorities carried out compulsory execution on this day.

Conflict over redevelopment between residents and Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH) has continued for years in Guryong Village. SH has proposed relocation plans several times, including offering temporary public housing at 60–100 percent discounted rent depending on income level, but residents have repeatedly refused these proposals.

Meanwhile, the residents assert that even after their housing was destroyed by a recent fire and redevelopment plans, SH has failed to offer meaningful measures. They claim that the compensation offered by SH is not realistic or acceptable.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.