South Korea’s Worst Wildfires Kill 18, Reduce Ancient Temple to Ashes
Blazes destroy ancient landmarks, force over 23,000 evacuations, and spark urgent calls for wildfire prevention measures.
At least 18 people have died and 19 others have been injured as South Korea battles its most catastrophic wildfires in history, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The blazes, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, continue to ravage the country’s southeast, forcing over 23,000 people to evacuate.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as “unprecedented,” stating that the fires are “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history.”
Among the destruction, the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple, a cultural landmark, has been reduced to ashes. A national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) also fell victim to the flames.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County on Wednesday, adding to the crisis. Authorities are investigating the cause. Thousands of firefighters, 5,000 military personnel, and helicopters—including support from the U.S. military—are engaged in a desperate battle to contain the multiple blazes.
With 17,000 hectares of forest destroyed, the fires rank as the third largest in terms of area, but the deadliest in South Korea’s history. The National Fire Agency raised the crisis to its highest fire response level, marking the first time this year such an alert has been issued.
Han vowed a full review of the wildfire response and pledged stricter enforcement against illegal burning—one of the primary causes of wildfires.
The fires, which ignited last Friday in Sancheong County, have spread rapidly to Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. Officials had hoped for rain to aid firefighting efforts, but forecasts predict only minimal precipitation.
As South Korea faces drier-than-usual conditions, the number of wildfires has surged, with 244 already recorded this year—2.4 times more than the same period in 2024.
The nation now confronts a devastating environmental and cultural loss, as well as a stark warning about the growing threat of wildfires in a changing climate.
