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4w ago

South Korea Battles Devastating Wildfires with 24 Dead and Thousands Displaced

Wildfires have scorched over 43,000 acres, destroyed cultural landmarks, and remain active as firefighters work to contain the blazes.

Image
Elderly people evacuated from their homes due to the approaching wildfire, stay at the gymnasium of Sinsung Elementary School in Andong, South Korea, on March 25, 2025.
A monk looks at a cracked temple bell remaining after most of the buildings were burned to the ground in a wildfire at Gounsa Temple in Uiseong on March 26, 2025.
The charred remains of the Gounsa temple in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.

Overview

  • At least 24 people have died, 26 others are injured, and nearly 30,000 residents have been displaced by wildfires in South Korea's southeastern regions.
  • The fires have burned more than 43,000 acres of land and destroyed over 300 buildings, including the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Buddhist temple.
  • Firefighting efforts, involving over 10,000 personnel and 130 helicopters, resumed after a fatal helicopter crash temporarily halted aerial operations.
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Hahoe Folk Village, remain at risk as dry weather and strong winds continue to fuel the fires.
  • Rain is forecasted for Thursday, offering potential relief, while the government has declared a state of emergency and heightened wildfire warnings.