On Thursday, the charred remnants of South Korea’s Gounsa temple starkly contrasted with the vibrant colors typically associated with the nation’s historic palaces and Buddhist temples.
This week, many structures within the temple complex, originally established by monks in 681, were reduced to ashes as the largest wildfire in South Korea’s history ravaged forests and towns, resulting in at least 26 fatalities and the destruction or damage of invaluable cultural landmarks.
“There was a wind stronger than a typhoon, and flames whipped through the air like a tornado, burning the whole area in an instant,” stated Deungwoon, the chief of Gounsa temple, in an interview with Reuters.
“The buildings and remnants left by Buddhist monks over the past 1,300 years are now completely lost.”
Amid the ruins, a large, intricately designed bronze bell remained in its tower, now cracked from top to bottom. Two of the three national treasures at the site were consumed by the fire, while a few other structures managed to survive.
As of Thursday, Gounsa was among at least 18 designated heritage sites or objects, including two national treasures, that had suffered destruction or damage, according to the Korea Heritage Service.
“Approximately 750 personnel were dispatched to national heritage sites as of Wednesday, and initial assessments and emergency responses are currently underway,” the service reported in a statement.
Preventive measures taken included spraying fire retardants, using fire-resistant cloth, creating firebreaks, and relocating historical artifacts, such as Buddha statues.
A total of 1,566 relics were relocated from significant temples, including Gounsa, as well as from ancestral homes in the vicinity.
In the scenic Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officials implemented fire retardant measures and other strategies to protect its thatched-roof structures situated along the Nakdong River.
Although residents were advised to evacuate, the village remained intact as of Thursday.
Throughout Korea’s turbulent history, fire has been a significant threat to its traditional wooden buildings, prompting many temple halls to place bronze bowls of water outside as a precaution against flames.
Gounsa has experienced fires in the past, with the most recent incident occurring in 1975, followed by a major restoration in 1992. However, the extent of the current destruction has left the community in shock.
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“The sadness is beyond words,” expressed 70-year-old Kim Young-hoo. “As someone who holds this place dear, it breaks my heart to witness such devastation.”
On Thursday, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, visited the still-smoldering ruins and advocated for enhanced protection of other endangered sites.
“I have heard that traditional temples in nearby areas are also at risk,” he remarked.