ED Lack of fire safety

A recent fire accident in Gwansu-dong in Jongno-gu, Seoul, caught the attention of many citizens.

The fire in the early morning of Nov. 9 at an old building used as a “gosiwon,” a dormitory style of housing, left seven people dead and 11 injured. It was particularly sad to learn most of the people hurt or killed by the fire were poor laborers in their 50s through 70s who were barely making ends meet.

The gosiwon's original purpose was to house people who study for "gosi" or the state examination to enter public service. But over the years, it has become known also as an accommodation for people who do not have enough money for rent. In some cases, they provide meals and do not charge for utilities, so it has become an affordable living accommodation for many who are struggling with low incomes.

The number of casualties and deaths is too big for a blaze in a three-story building. The accident has highlighted the lack of fire prevention measures at old and small buildings. Early this year, there was a fire at a motel in Jongno-gu which also housed poor people who were staying there for a prolonged period. Both accidents are similar in that the buildings were not equipped with proper fire safety equipment. The gosiwon did not even have sprinklers.

Interior and Safety Minister Kim Boo-kyum visited the site of the blaze and stressed that fire safety equipment must be installed in old buildings. Authorities should conduct a thorough inspection of buildings and apply stronger rules for fire prevention.