South Koreans mourn historic temple burnt by wildfire, race to save others

27/3/2025 15:37

Charred, black ruins at South Korea's Gounsa temple stood on Thursday in stark contrast to the kaleidoscope of colours that are a trademark of the country's historic palaces and Buddhist temples.



Many of the buildings at the temple complex, first built by monks in the year 681, burned to the ground this week as South Korea's largest wildfire ever swept through forests and towns, killing at least 26 people and destroying or damaging priceless cultural sites.



"There was a wind stronger than a typhoon, and flames whipped through the air like a tornado, burning the whole area in an instant," Gounsa temple chief Deungwoon told Reuters.



"The buildings and remains of what Buddhist monks have left over 1,300 years are now all gone."



A massive, ornate bronze bell sat in the ruins of its tower, cracked from top to bottom. Two out of the three national treasures at the site burned, while a handful of other structures escaped the blaze.



Gounsa was one of at least 18 designated heritage sites or objects, including two national treasures, that had been destroyed or damaged as of Thursday, according to the Korea Heritage Service.