Overview

• The wildfires, originating in Uiseong County, have become South Korea's largest on record, fueled by strong winds, dry conditions, and climate change.
• At least 28 people have died, including a helicopter pilot and four firefighters, with over 37,000 residents forced to evacuate.
• More than 36,000 hectares of land and over 300 structures, including the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple, have been destroyed.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Confucian Academy, remain at risk despite firefighting efforts.
• Authorities have deployed over 120 helicopters and thousands of personnel, but limited rainfall and challenging terrain hinder containment efforts.