Deadliest Wildfires in South Korea’s History Claim 24 Lives
The blazes have destroyed more than 200 structures, including the 1300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong.
South Korea is grappling with its most devastating wildfires on record, which have claimed at least 24 lives and left over 26 injured since March 21, 2025.
The majority of the victims are elderly residents, with more than 27,000 people forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have ravaged approximately 17,000 hectares of forest, marking the third-largest wildfire in the nation’s history by area affected.
The flames, which began in Sancheong County, quickly spread to Uiseong County and neighboring regions, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.
Over 200 structures have been destroyed, including a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple in Uiseong City, a cultural treasure lost to the inferno.
Emergency response efforts have mobilized over 10,000 firefighters, 5,000 military personnel, and US military helicopters. Tragically, a firefighting helicopter crash in Uiseong claimed the life of the pilot.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has declared the situation “unprecedented” and escalated the emergency response to the highest level.
The Korea Forest Service has issued a nationwide wildfire alert and designated multiple provinces as disaster zones.
The wildfires were fueled by strong winds, dry conditions, and arid weather, with experts warning that climate change will likely increase the frequency of such catastrophic events.
Authorities remain on high alert as they work to contain the blazes and protect vulnerable communities.
