South Korea's ancient temples under threat as wildfires rage
In South Korea, the fight against the massive wildfires that began last week is ongoing. Nearly 9,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has already destroyed a priceless 7th-century temple and threatened more historic sites.
Nearly 9,000 firefighters, with over 130 helicopters and hundreds of vehicles, have been dispatched to combat the fires in South Korea. Dry and windy weather is significantly hindering their efforts. The fire has already consumed approximately 15,000 hectares of forest in the southeastern part of the country.
The fire destroys landmarks
The massive blazes have also destroyed the Gounsa temple complex, which was built in 681, during the Three Kingdoms of Korea period. It was the main religious site of the Jogye Order in Korean Buddhism. The fire also damaged surrounding 19th-century buildings. Fortunately, the artworks and religious objects housed in the temple were saved.
Believers who were present during the fire at the Gounsa temple shared their reactions to the incident, expressing shock at how quickly the flames consumed the structure — in less than thirty minutes, the entire temple was ablaze.
However, these are not the only threatened sites when it comes to priceless landmarks. Firefighters are also securing the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO-listed site, and a Confucian school from the 17th century. There, too, the fire is dangerously close.
Situation in South Korea
The South Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety reported that over 5,500 people had already been forced to evacuate their homes in Andong, the neighbouring counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan, where the fires were most severe - the South Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety reported.
The latest reports indicate that at least 16 people have died and 19 have been injured.
