Watch: South Korea wildfire destroys 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple

Viral videos captured the historic temple engulfed in flames, marking a significant cultural loss for South Korea. Another temple, Gounsa, dating back to the 7th century, also suffered extensive damage. Nearly 20 of its 30 buildings were burned to the ground, including two revered structures.

Senior monk Doryun, who once lived at Gounsa, expressed his sorrow at the destruction. “I went there this morning and found they’ve been reduced to heaps of ashes,” he said. “I feel really empty. Life is transient.”

In a televised address, acting President Han Duck-soo confirmed the severity of the crisis. “Damages are snowballing,” he said, urging authorities to mobilize all resources to contain the fires.

As of Wednesday evening, firefighters continued battling multiple blazes, including one in Yeongdeok, where residents of a nearby village were ordered to evacuate. The government is bracing for more destruction, as officials warn that the wildfires could intensify further before they are fully brought under control.

South Korea has been experiencing drier than normal conditions with less rainfall than average this year. There have already been 244 wildfires this year – 2.4 times more than the same period last year.

(With Inputs from AP)

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