South Korea: Ancient Gounsa Buddhist Temple Obliterated As Wildfires Claim 18 Lives

As wildfires rage through South Korea's southeast, causing unprecedented destruction, a historic Buddhist temple, the Gounsa Temple, has been obliterated. The blaze, which has claimed at least 18 lives, saw the temple in Uiseong County, over 200 km southeast of Seoul, reduced to ashes. The only item left somewhat intact was its ceremonial bell, amidst the ruins. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism shared photos revealing the extent of the devastation.

Gounsa, a prominent Buddhist temple established in A.D. 681 by the monk Uisang during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. to A.D. 935), was situated on the slopes of Mount Deungun in Danchon-myeon, Uiseong County. Serving as the head temple of the Jogye Order’s 16th district, it held significant historical and spiritual importance.

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. At least 18 people have been killed in one of South Korea's worst wildfire outbreaks, with multiple blazes burning and causing "unprecedented damage", the acting president said. Image Courtesy: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP

Although officials from the Korea Heritage Service managed to relocate several precious artifacts—including a state-designated treasure, a stone Buddha statue—to safer locations in North Gyeongsang on Monday, the temple’s physical structure could not be preserved from the devastating wildfire.

The country faces one of its worst fire outbreaks, exacerbated by dry, windy weather, making containment efforts extremely challenging. Over the weekend, more than a dozen wildfires broke out, further complicating the situation. In response, the government has had to relocate thousands of prisoners from affected areas.

Amidst the ongoing crisis, a state of emergency has been declared in four regions due to the extensive damage caused. The acting Interior and Safety Minister, Ko Ki-dong, highlighted the challenges in controlling the fires, citing strong winds, dry conditions, and haze as major obstacles.

As of early Tuesday, the wildfires had impacted around 14,694 hectares, marking these fires as the third largest in the nation's history. The largest fire recorded was in April 2000, scorching over 23,913 hectares.

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, including residents of the historic Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO-listed site. Authorities in Andong issued an emergency alert late on Tuesday as the fire approached, urging immediate evacuation. "The Uiseong Angye wildfire is moving in the direction" of the village, the alert stated, prompting action from the community.

Before the temple's destruction, workers had attempted to safeguard valuable artefacts and cover Buddhist statues with fire retardant blankets, including a giant gilded Buddha statue that was too large to move. These efforts underscored the community's desperation to protect their cultural heritage amidst the disaster.

"It is very heartbreaking and painful to see the precious temples that are over a thousand years old being lost," lamented monk Deung-woon, expressing the sorrow felt by many.

Residents have recounted their harrowing experiences with the wildfires. Kwon So-han, a 79-year-old from Andong, described the ferocity of the winds and how the fire engulfed his home, highlighting the personal toll of these disasters. "Those who haven't experienced it won't know. I could only bring my body," he told AFP, illustrating the sheer force and devastation of the wildfires.

In a significant logistical move, around 3,500 inmates from correctional facilities in the southeastern counties of Cheongsong and Andong are being transferred to nearby prisons. This action, reported by Yonhap news agency, indicates the wide-reaching impact of the fires, affecting various aspects of society.

As South Korea battles to contain these devastating wildfires, the loss of the Gounsa Temple stands as a poignant reminder of the cultural and human toll of natural disasters. The government and communities continue to face significant challenges as they work towards recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this tragedy.