South Korea Battles Worst Wildfires in History: 18 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

South Korea is facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with at least 18 people dead and over 23,000 evacuated as flames rage through the country’s southeast.

Historic Disaster Unfolds

Officials have described this as the worst wildfire disaster in South Korean history, rewriting records for destruction and loss. Acting President Han Duck-soo called the situation critical, noting that the sheer scale and speed of the fires are unlike anything seen before.

The fires, which began on Friday afternoon in Sancheong County, have rapidly spread to Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok counties due to strong, dry winds. Fire experts warn that the flames are advancing at an “unimaginable” rate.

Gounsa Temple Destroyed, Cultural Heritage Lost

Among the devastation, the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong has been reduced to ashes. The temple, a significant Buddhist landmark, was home to numerous cultural relics, some of which were relocated before the fire consumed the structure.

Authorities also confirmed the destruction of a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), marking an irreversible loss of South Korea’s heritage.

Massive Emergency Response Underway

To combat the fires, the government has deployed thousands of firefighters, 5,000 military personnel, and helicopters, including assistance from the US military stationed in Korea. Despite their efforts, strong winds continue to hamper containment efforts.

A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County on Wednesday afternoon, further complicating the emergency response. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

Growing Threat and Future Precautions

So far, 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest have been consumed by the wildfires, making this the third-largest wildfire outbreak in South Korea’s history in terms of area burned.

With dry conditions worsening, experts fear that more wildfires could ignite. The Korea Meteorological Administration has no significant rainfall forecasted for the immediate future, aside from a small 5-10mm shower expected Thursday—far from enough to extinguish the flames.

Government Pledges Stronger Prevention Measures

Acting President Han has promised a full review of fire prevention policies once the situation is under control. The government aims to crack down on illegal burning practices, which remain a leading cause of wildfires, and strengthen fire prevention measures nationwide.

A Nation in Crisis

Wildfires are relatively uncommon in South Korea, and fatalities have historically been rare. However, 2025 has already seen 244 wildfires—2.4 times more than the same period last year. This record-breaking season highlights the urgent need for stronger wildfire management as climate conditions shift.

For now, the country remains in emergency response mode, hoping to contain the devastation before it claims more lives and historical landmarks.