A fire broke out on the morning of April 25 at the COEX Mall in Seoul’s Samseong-dong neighborhood, prompting the swift evacuation of more than a thousand people.
The incident caused a temporary shutdown of one of Korea’s largest shopping and convention complexes during a major international tech event.
The blaze started around 11 a.m. in the kitchen of a restaurant on the second floor of the building. Witnesses quickly alerted authorities, and fire crews arrived within minutes. More than 140 firefighters and 33 fire trucks were deployed to control the situation.
The fire, which produced heavy smoke visible across Gangnam-gu, was contained in just over half an hour and fully extinguished by 1:14 p.m. Investigators believe it began in the hood system above the kitchen stove. While thick smoke spread throughout the area, the evacuation was carried out smoothly. Most people exited the building without assistance, and four individuals received minor treatment on-site for smoke inhalation.
At the time of the incident, COEX was hosting the 2025 World IT Show, a major event in the global tech calendar. The show was paused during the emergency response but resumed shortly after the fire was under control.
Although there were no serious injuries or deaths, the situation caused considerable concern due to the mall’s popularity and the scale of the event taking place. Fire officials are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause and assess any damage to the facility.
COEX Mall, known for its blend of retail, dining, and convention spaces, remains a central destination in Seoul, drawing thousands daily. Despite the fire, operations at the venue have mostly returned to normal.