The deadly blaze that engulfed a densely populated Hong Kong residential complex has prompted scrutiny in South Korea over whether its high-rise residential and commercial buildings are adequately prepared to prevent and respond to similar disasters.
High-rise living in South Korea has skyrocketed in the past decade. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of buildings with 25 or more floors climbed from 8,268 in 2013 to 21,033 in 2023.
Of South Korea’s 11.67 million households living in flats in 2023, roughly three out of four – 8.96 million – live on the 15th floor or higher.
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And fires continue to occur at a steady rate each year. According to the National Fire Agency, 2,592 fires at residential complexes were reported from January through October this year, leaving 37 people dead and 338 injured, marking the highest casualty toll in five years. Last year, 3,193 fires at residential buildings nationwide resulted in 28 deaths and 335 injuries.
Major fires have also repeatedly occurred in high-rise buildings.
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In March, a fire broke out at a hotel in the LCT Landmark Tower in Busan’s Haeundae District. While no major casualties were reported, residents were evacuated and the blaze was extinguished in about 13 minutes.