Fire in South Korea: 28 Dead and Temples Smoldering Ruins

A fire in South Korea has claimed at least 28 lives and forced over 37,800 people from their homes. The wildfires, fueled by dry weather and strong winds, continue to spread across the southeastern regions of the country.

Officials say these are the most devastating wildfires in South Korea’s history.

Helicopters Bomb Forests with Water

Firefighting helicopters flew over burning forests Thursday, dumping loads of water on the flames. Crews on the ground battled hot spots, but wind gusts pushed the fires faster than expected.

In Cheongsong, smoke poured from Juwang Mountain. Helicopters circled overhead, releasing water again and again. Eventually, the smoke thinned, but embers continued to smolder.

At a nearby Buddhist temple, workers wrapped ancient pagodas in fireproof material. Firefighters drenched the surrounding area to prevent flare-ups.

Over 9,000 Rescuers Join the Fight

South Korea deployed more than 9,000 firefighters and soldiers. Authorities also sent out around 120 helicopters.

Despite the huge response, officials admitted that the blaze remained largely uncontrolled due to unpredictable winds. Crews worked through the night in multiple provinces.

In Andong, Uiseong, and Sancheong, entire communities evacuated. Families packed up quickly and left behind homes now reduced to ashes.

Weak Rain Offers Little Relief

Meteorologists predicted light rain later Thursday. But the Korea Forest Service warned the amount — under 5 millimeters — would do little to help.

Korea Forest chief Lim Sang-seop said, “The rain won’t be enough to extinguish the flames.” As a result, the firefight is expected to last several more days.

Human Error Blamed for Several Fires

Authorities now believe human activity started some of the wildfires. In multiple cases, people were clearing brush near family graves or welding without safety precautions.

Tragically, several elderly victims failed to evacuate. Some couldn’t move quickly enough. Others refused to leave their homes, even when warned.

The government may press charges in the coming weeks.

Gounsa Temple Burns as History Crumbles

The fire in South Korea has also scorched historical sites. In Uiseong County, flames engulfed the Gounsa temple complex. Built in the 7th century, it held some of Korea’s most sacred treasures.

Among the lost buildings was a 1668 pavilion and a monument from 1904 honoring a Joseon dynasty king. These were nationally recognized cultural assets.

Residents wept as centuries of history vanished in smoke.

UNESCO Village Faces Evacuation

Andong’s Puncheon village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, came under threat Wednesday night. Officials quickly ordered an evacuation. They feared flames would reach the 14th-century Hahoe Folk Village.

Fortunately, firefighters managed to hold the line — at least for now. However, residents have not yet returned.

Nearby, hikers were pulled from the scenic trails around Jiri Mountain as another blaze moved closer.

Thousands of Structures Destroyed

As of Thursday, fire crews reported 2,600 buildings destroyed. These include homes, factories, and small businesses. Charred vehicles now line the streets in multiple towns.

The fires have injured at least 32 people. Authorities worry that number could rise as more areas become accessible.

Firefighters said that entire neighborhoods have burned. In many cases, nothing remains but foundations.

Climate Change Drives Extreme Weather

Government officials say these wildfires highlight the effects of climate change. Lee Han-kyung, deputy head of the disaster response center, called the event “a clear example of our growing crisis.”

Scientists around the world agree. Rising global temperatures are creating drier conditions, making wildfires more likely and more deadly.

Korea faces increasing threats each spring due to stronger winds and lower humidity.

Military Units Ordered to Halt Exercises

In response to the fire in South Korea, military units were told to cancel live-fire drills. Local governments raised the wildfire warning to its highest level.

That status also forces tighter forest restrictions and adds more staff to emergency operations.

Despite the efforts, the fires continue to rage.

Evacuees Wait in Emergency Shelters

Thousands of residents now sleep in emergency shelters. Volunteers and aid workers are delivering food, blankets, and medical supplies. Still, survivors say they need more help.

“We left everything behind,” said one evacuee from Sancheong. “Our home is gone. Our history is gone.”

Others returned to see piles of rubble where their houses once stood. Entire blocks are now nothing but ash and twisted metal.

Fire in South Korea: Global Attention Turns to South Korea

The fire in South Korea has caught international attention. Messages of support have poured in from around the world.

Environmental groups have urged nations to take wildfire prevention more seriously. Experts say modern technology and better planning could reduce future damage.

“This didn’t have to happen,” said one disaster analyst. “We can’t control nature, but we can prepare.”

Next 48 Hours Are Critical

Officials say the next two days are key. If the wind dies down and more rain falls, crews may finally gain control.

Until then, the battle continues. Helicopters will keep flying. Crews will keep digging trenches and spraying water. And families will keep waiting for news — hoping they still have homes to return to.

The fire in South Korea has already rewritten the country’s disaster history. Now, it’s a race to stop the next tragedy before it starts.