Gwangsan District in Gwangju Operates Second Shelter for Residents Affected by Kumho Tire Fire

Temporary Shelter Established at Hanam Danuri Sports Center
Second Shelter Set Up for Residents Affected by Kumho Tire Fire
Gwangsan District Expands Support Amid Ongoing Inconveniences

The Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters of Gwangsan District, Gwangju, began operating a second temporary shelter on May 20 for residents affected by the fire at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant.

Gwangsan District held an emergency meeting the previous day and decided to set up a second shelter to address ongoing inconveniences such as lingering odors and falling debris, which persisted even after the fire was extinguished. The shelter has been established at the Hanam Danuri Sports Center.

Interior view of the second temporary shelter set up at Hanam Danuri Sports Center by Gwangsan District, Gwangju, for residents affected by the Kumho Tire fire. Provided by Gwangsan District

Along with setting up the shelter, the district plans to assess the demand for evacuation, focusing on apartment complexes near the factory, and to assist residents who wish to evacuate with their relocation. Residents admitted to the shelter will also receive support for daily living, including medical care and meals.

If the number of evacuees increases in the future, the district plans to secure additional shelters at the Suwan Culture and Sports Center and expand operations accordingly.

Previously, on the day of the fire, May 17, Gwangsan District set up and operated the first temporary shelter at the Gwangju Women's University gymnasium. A total of 137 households, comprising 249 people, stayed at the first shelter.

Currently, after assuming disaster management authority, Gwangsan District is maintaining the Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and focusing on managing the aftermath of the incident and supporting the victims. The district also plans to work with Kumho Tire to assess the damage and urge the company to establish compensation procedures.

Temporary personal tent-type residential facility installed inside Hanam Danuri Sports Center in Gwangsan-gu. Provided by Gwangsan-gu

In particular, during the damage assessment process being conducted from May 19 to May 28, the district is working to prevent the spread of incorrect information and is demanding that Kumho Tire prepare specific compensation measures.

A medical consultation center, set up for residents experiencing physical symptoms or psychological distress, is operating on the first floor of the Songjeong Health Center and will remain open until May 28.

Park Byungkyu, head of Gwangsan District, stated, "Although the fire has been extinguished, the inconvenience and anxiety of residents continue. Through the second temporary shelter, we will support residents' daily stability and mobilize all administrative resources so that Kumho Tire can promptly address the damages."