Guryong

Located between luxurious high-rises and modern developments, Guryong consists of makeshift homes constructed from corrugated metal and recycled materials across steep hillsides.

The settlement emerged in the late 1980s when rural migrants moved to Seoul during rapid industrialization, forming a community of approximately 1,000 households.

The residents maintain strong social bonds through communal gatherings, shared meals, and collective support systems that help them navigate daily challenges.

Access to Guryong requires coordination with local organizations, as the narrow pathways between structures are not marked on regular maps.

Despite its location in Gangnam, one of Seoul's most expensive districts, Guryong represents the last remaining large-scale informal settlement in the capital.

GPS coordinates: 37.47682,127.06390

Latest update: March 16, 2025 04:23