South Korea Faces Largest Wildfires in History as Death Toll Reaches 26

Over 33,000 hectares burned, thousands displaced, and historic sites destroyed in the nation's worst natural fire disaster.

The wildfires, which began on March 21 in Uiseong County, have burned more than 33,000 hectares, making them the largest on record in South Korea.
At least 26 people, including elderly residents and emergency responders, have died, with thousands more displaced and over 300 buildings destroyed.
Significant cultural landmarks, including the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Buddhist temple, have been incinerated, while UNESCO World Heritage sites remain under threat.
The South Korean government has mobilized over 9,000 personnel and 120 helicopters, but containment efforts are hindered by strong winds and dry conditions.
Experts link the unprecedented scale of the fires to climate change, as record-high temperatures and below-average rainfall have intensified the disaster.