South Korea Battles Devastating Wildfires as Death Toll Rises to 24

At least 24 people have been killed and 27,000 displaced as wildfires continued to rage for a sixth day in South Korea. Among the damaged structures was the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong.

The death toll from multiple wildfires in southeastern South Korea has risen to 24, with more than 27,000 residents evacuated as firefighters race to contain the destruction. The fires, which ignited on Friday in Sancheong County and rapidly spread to surrounding areas, have devastated historical landmarks and destroyed thousands of acres of land.

South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo described the fires as the worst in the country's history, stating that they are “rewriting the record for the worst forest fire in history.” More than 42,000 acres have burned, and over 200 houses and factories have been reduced to rubble. Strong winds have exacerbated the crisis, making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult.

Nearly 5,000 personnel and approximately 128 helicopters have been deployed to combat the fires, with assistance from U.S. military forces stationed in the country. Among the casualties was the pilot of a firefighting helicopter that crashed into a mountain in Uiseong, about 110 miles southeast of Seoul.

A monk looks at a cracked temple bell remaining after most of the buildings were burned to the ground in a wildfire at Gounsa Temple in Uiseong on March 26, 2025

The region, known for its cultural heritage, has suffered significant losses. Most of the buildings at the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, an important Buddhist site, have been destroyed. The Korea Heritage Service has managed to rescue 17 historic artifacts, including wooden printing blocks, Buddhist paintings, and a wooden statue, from Gounsa and other significant sites such as Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has issued a warning about the approaching fires and announced its closure to visitors as a precaution.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Korea Forest Service reported that at least five wildfires were still active. Fires in Sancheong and its neighboring areas were 90% contained, those around Uiju were 92% controlled, while fires in Uiseong were only 62% extinguished. The situation remains dire, with officials citing strong overnight winds as a major challenge in their efforts to put out the blazes.

Billowing smoke from a wildfire that ravaged homes in Andong, South Korea, March 25, 2025.

Officials had hoped for rainfall to aid firefighting efforts, but weather forecasts indicated little to no precipitation on Wednesday and only light rain on Thursday. The country has been experiencing unusually dry conditions, with authorities reporting 244 wildfires this year—2.4 times more than the same period in the previous year.

While the exact cause of the fires has not been officially determined, human negligence is strongly suspected. Over the past decade, 71% of wildfires in South Korea have been attributed to careless activities such as burning trash or unsafe practices by hikers and climbers.

Elderly people evacuated from their homes due to the approaching wildfire, stay at the gymnasium of Sinsung Elementary School in Andong, South Korea, on March 25, 2025.

The government has pledged to review its wildfire response once the immediate crisis is under control and to implement stronger preventive measures. Acting President Han emphasized the need for a cultural shift in public awareness regarding wildfire prevention, urging authorities to take proactive steps even at the risk of being perceived as overly cautious.

“Once a forest is damaged, it takes more than 100 years to restore it to its original state,” Han warned. “The residents of affected areas have lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods.”