A devastating series of wildfires continues to tear through southeastern South Korea, leaving at least 18 people dead and 19 others injured, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This ongoing disaster has already been labeled the worst wildfire event in the nation’s history.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as “unprecedented,” stating that the scale of destruction is “rewriting the record books.” Over 23,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, and several historic and cultural landmarks have suffered irreversible damage.
Among the sites lost is the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple, originally built in 618 AD, located in the city of Uiseong. Another national treasure, a wooden Buddhist structure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), was also consumed by the flames, as confirmed by forestry officials.
Tragically, a firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong county just after noon on Wednesday. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
In response to the crisis, thousands of firefighters and 5,000 military personnel have been deployed across the affected regions. U.S. military helicopters based in Korea have also joined the effort. The national fire agency has escalated the situation to its highest fire response level—the first time this alert has been issued in 2025.
The wildfires have already scorched over 17,000 hectares of forest, making them the third-largest in terms of area burned, and the deadliest in terms of lives lost.
Wildfires of this scale are extremely rare in South Korea, where fire-related fatalities are uncommon. Officials warn that dry conditions and strong winds are hampering containment efforts.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast no rain for the region on Wednesday, with only a small amount—5 to 10mm—expected on Thursday. President Han expressed hope for rainfall, noting that “this level of wildfire damage is unlike anything we’ve experienced before.”
The government has committed to a full review of the emergency response once the fires are under control, with plans to improve future wildfire prevention and disaster management strategies.
Han emphasized the urgency, stating: “Once a wildfire begins, it demands enormous resources and endangers human lives.”