Historic Fires Claim Lives and Destroy Cultural Heritage

At least 18 people have died and 19 others have been injured as devastating wildfires continue to spread across southeastern South Korea, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Unprecedented Disaster Wreaks Havoc

Acting President Han Duck-soo called the crisis “unprecedented”, stating that these fires are rewriting history as the nation’s worst wildfire disaster.

🔥 Key Facts:
✔ 23,000+ people evacuated
✔ 17,000 hectares of forest destroyed (third-largest in history)
✔ Historic 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple lost
✔ Firefighting helicopter crash under investigation

Widespread Damage & Cultural Loss

Among the affected sites is the Gounsa Temple, a Buddhist landmark built in 618 AD, which was completely destroyed. A national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was also lost in the fires, according to forestry authorities.

The wildfires first broke out on Friday in Sancheong County and have now spread to Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.

Emergency Response: Thousands of Firefighters & Military Deployed

Over 5,000 military personnel and thousands of firefighters are battling multiple blazes with support from U.S. military helicopters. South Korea has also raised the wildfire crisis to its highest alert level for the first time this year.

Weather & Future Prevention Efforts

🔥 Challenges:
🚫 Strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
🌧 Little rain expected—only 5-10mm forecasted.

The government has vowed to review its wildfire response and strengthen laws against illegal burning, a major cause of wildfires.

🛑 South Korea has already recorded 244 wildfires this year, 2.4 times higher than the same period last year, due to unusually dry conditions.