Wildfires in South Korea force evacuations and destroy 1,300-year-old temple

South Korea faces one of its most destructive wildfire events in recent history

Wind-driven wildfires have burned across southern South Korea, killing at least 18 people, destroying more than 200 structures and prompting the evacuation of 27,000 residents.

According to reports from the Guardian and Korea Times, fires that started across the country over the weekend have spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds. Over 8,700 hectares of forest have been destroyed, and more than 6,500 emergency responders have been mobilised.

The Korea Forest Service said multiple blazes, including in Uiseong, Andong, Sancheong and Ulsan, were among the largest ever recorded in the region. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged agencies to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Fires destroy homes and cultural heritage sites in southeastern regions

Among the areas most affected is Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province, where approximately 65 percent of the fire had been contained by Monday, according to the Korea Forest Service. The fire destroyed Gounsa Temple, a Buddhist temple dating to the seventh century.

The Korea Heritage Service confirmed the temple’s destruction, adding that national treasures, including a stone Buddha statue, had been evacuated in advance. No injuries were reported at the site.

Thousands were forced to evacuate from Uiseong, Andong, Sancheong and Ulsan. Temporary shelters, such as schools and gyms, were opened to accommodate evacuees. Officials also closed roads and issued evacuation orders in the coastal town of Yeongdeok.

Helicopter crash halts aerial firefighting operations

A helicopter responding to the fire in Uiseong crashed, killing the pilot. As a result, the Korea Forest Service suspended all firefighting helicopter operations nationwide.

Over 130 helicopters were originally deployed, but efforts were curtailed due to wind conditions and safety concerns. Officials also reported that around 9,000 personnel had been deployed, with operations continuing on the ground where possible.

The ministry of the interior and safety said the fires were only partially under control due to worsening weather conditions.

Government declares special disaster zones and mobilises additional support

The Korean government designated Uiseong, Ulju and Hadong as special disaster zones. This allowed for accelerated deployment of personnel, financial support for residents and wider use of state resources.

According to the Korea Times, these areas suffered the most extensive damage. The prime minister’s office confirmed that additional equipment and evacuation support had been sent to the affected areas.

Residents near Andong University and in several villages were ordered to evacuate as fires continued to spread despite initial containment efforts.

Fires linked to dry weather and rising temperatures

Meteorological data from the Korea Meteorological Administration indicated that the spring season has been unusually dry, with elevated temperatures and high winds creating conditions favourable to wildfire spread.

Experts have warned that these fires align with trends observed in recent years. According to the Korea Forest Service, the area affected by wildfires has increased five-fold between 2015 and 2024.

The Korea Rural Economic Institute reported in May 2024 that wildfires are no longer confined to mountainous eastern regions. They are now occurring nationwide due to high winter temperatures and long dry spells.

Climate change cited as key driver of wildfire scale and frequency

Researchers and international agencies attribute the growing severity of wildfires to climate change. A 2022 United Nations Environment Programme report stated that extreme wildfires have doubled globally over the past two decades.

Forest disaster expert Lee Byung-doo from the National Institute of Forest Science said the Uiseong fire was spreading with “unimaginable” speed due to wind conditions. He added: “We have to admit large-scale wildfires are going to increase and prepare more resources and manpower.”

UNEP executive director Inger Andersen said: “We have to minimise the risk of extreme wildfires by being better prepared: invest more in fire risk reduction, work with local communities, and strengthen global commitment to fight climate change.”

Pressure grows for long-term preparedness and improved response strategies

Local leaders and experts have called for more proactive measures. Lee Chul-woo, governor of North Gyeongsang Province, urged the central government to introduce more advanced wildfire response equipment and secure increased budgets for prevention.

Calls have also been made for stronger regional coordination and public awareness efforts. The UNEP has advocated for combining scientific monitoring with local knowledge in wildfire prevention.

Despite short-term containment efforts, officials continue to monitor conditions closely due to continued dry weather and ongoing risks of flare-ups.

Prisons and transport infrastructure also affected by spreading fires

Local media in South Korea reported that 2,600 inmates were being relocated from a prison in Cheongsong County, near Uiseong. The justice ministry did not immediately confirm the reports.

Officials in affected regions have shut down roads to prevent civilian access to danger zones. Emergency services continue to monitor wind patterns, which have previously caused fires to reignite in areas considered under control.

Efforts remain focused on protecting vulnerable populations and preventing the fires from reaching additional residential zones or infrastructure.

Wildfires in South Korea force evacuations and destroy 1,300-year-old temple: Summary

South Korea has experienced one of its largest wildfire events in recent history.

Wind-driven fires burned over 8,700 hectares of forest and destroyed more than 200 structures.

At least 18 people were killed.

Approximately 27,000 residents were evacuated across several southeastern regions including Uiseong, Andong, Sancheong and Ulsan.

A helicopter crash during firefighting operations killed one pilot, and aerial operations were suspended.

Gounsa Temple, a seventh-century Buddhist site, was destroyed.

The Korea Forest Service reported a five-fold increase in wildfire damage from 2015 to 2024.

The Korean government designated three areas as special disaster zones.

Climate change, higher temperatures and prolonged dry conditions were identified as contributing factors.

The UN Environment Programme and domestic experts called for better preparedness and investment in prevention.

The Korea Meteorological Administration confirmed abnormal spring weather patterns.

Reports suggested the relocation of inmates from a prison in Cheongsong due to nearby fires.