South Korea is in the grip of one of its most devastating wildfire crises, with raging fires reducing ancient landmarks to rubble and forcing thousands to flee. The historic Gounsa Temple, a sacred site dating back over a millennium, was nearly wiped out—though, incredibly, its massive stone Buddha was saved at the last moment. Meanwhile, the famous Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was hastily evacuated as flames closed in.
The fires, which have swept through the southeastern regions, have already taken dozens of lives and left entire communities in ruins. With strong winds driving the inferno, emergency crews are struggling to contain the destruction. For the first time in history, South Korea has raised its national heritage disaster alert to its highest level, signaling the dire threat to cultural treasures.
As authorities scramble to protect what remains, efforts have been made to move priceless artifacts to safety. Despite this, more than 300 structures have already been lost, and tens of thousands of acres have been scorched. Acting President Han Duck-soo has called the disaster “unprecedented,” warning that the damage may surpass anything the country has ever seen.
With high winds making aerial firefighting nearly impossible, officials are left hoping that an expected light rainfall will offer some relief. Experts believe worsening climate conditions are fueling the crisis, turning once-manageable fires into unstoppable infernos.
