Seoul: A fire at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul was extinguished two hours after it erupted, leading to the evacuation of approximately 1,200 individuals, as reported by firefighting officials. The incident unfolded within a restaurant located on the second floor of the center, prompting a swift response from firefighters who received the alarm shortly after 11 a.m. The primary flames were subdued by 11:40 a.m., with the fire completely extinguished by 1:14 p.m. Fortunately, there were no casualties, with only four individuals receiving treatment on-site for smoke inhalation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fire resulted in significant evacuations from the exhibition center and nearby buildings as smoke spread throughout the area. The World IT Show 2025, taking place at COEX at the time, faced temporary suspension but was later resumed. The emergency response involved the deployment of over 120 firefighting personnel and 33 fire engines.
Authorities, including police and firefighting teams, are currently investigating the incident. Preliminary suspicions suggest that the fire may have originated from a kitchen hood within the restaurant, though the exact cause remains under scrutiny.