SEOL, South Korea — Unprecedented wildfires have ravaged parts of South Korea’s southern regions, obliterating significant sections of an ancient Buddhist temple and damaging two of its three state-recognized “treasures.”
Over five tumultuous days, the fires, labeled as one of the most severe in South Korea’s history, have claimed the lives of 24 individuals, destroyed upwards of 200 structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 27,000 residents, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The Gounsa temple, believed to have been established in the 7th century during the rule of the Shilla dynasty, graces the base of Deungun Mountain in the southeastern locality of Uiseong. Although it lacks structures from its original construction period, it harbors various well-known cultural heritages from later times.
This historic temple, initially constructed around 681 A.D., became engulfed by flames on Tuesday when escalation in wildfires correlated with severe winds. Tragically, around 20 of the temple’s 30 buildings and structures succumbed to the blaze, including two culturally significant structures: “Gaunru,” a pavilion created in 1668 that overlooks a stream, and “Yeonsujeon,” constructed in 1904 as a commemoration of a king’s longevity, as detailed by the Korea Heritage Service.
Initiated during the Joseon dynasty, the Korean Peninsula’s last ruling dynasty, both structures were honored with the title of “treasure,” a designation awarded to buildings, artworks, and other significant cultural assets with historical and artistic value, ensuring their state-level protection and upkeep.
“I visited them this morning, only to find them reduced to mere ashes,” expressed Doryun, a senior monk who resided at the temple for over three years earlier in his life. “An immense void is all I feel. Life is fleeting,” he added.
Currently, Doryun is involved with a Buddhist organization presiding over the temple. He shared that the monks and followers successfully relocated the temple’s third “treasure,” an 8th-century stone Buddha statue, to a secure location.
Although numerous buildings were irreparably lost, safeguarding and relocating other cherished assets allowed for the continuation of the temple’s legacy. “We recognize our substantial fortune in this endeavor,” Doryun relayed during a phone call.
Doryun also confirmed that around 20 monks and workers reside at the temple; fortunately, no injuries have been reported among them.
As per the Korea Heritage Service, the temple’s two remaining cultural assets of lesser designation, which include a stone pagoda, have fortunately emerged unscathed.