PHOTOS: Shantytown residents protest for housing rights as redevelopment looms

SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - Residents of Guryong Village, the last remaining shantytown in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, are demanding their housing rights as the village is slated to be redeveloped into an apartment complex, requiring their relocation.

They erected a five-story tower in front of their village to demonstrate their resolve and staged a protest over the weekend.

They are seeking assistance in finding new homes or moving into a new apartment complex that will be built as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's redevelopment plans unveiled earlier this year.

The city government plans to transform the village with makeshift houses and shoddy tents into a 25-story apartment complex that will accommodate 3,500 households.

Residents of Guryong Village gather to protest for their housing rights in southern Seoul on Nov. 25, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu

Guryong Village in southern Seoul is seen, in this photo taken on Nov. 25, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu

Residents of Guryong Village gather to protest for their housing rights in southern Seoul on Nov. 25, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu

Han Jun-gu jungu141298@ajupress.com