South Korea battles worst ever wildfires as death toll hits 28

South Korea’s worst wildfires kill 28, destroy historic temples

Robert Besser
02 Apr 2025, 12:23 GMT+10

South Korea battles worst ever wildfires as death toll hits 28

Wildfires in South Korea have doubled in size in just one day, making them the country’s worst fire disaster
At least 28 people have died, and historic temples have been destroyed
The largest fire, which started in Uiseong County, has burned over 38,000 hectares (93,900 acres)—the biggest wildfire in South Korea’s history

ANDONG, South Korea: Wildfires in South Korea have doubled in size in just one day, making them the country's worst fire disaster. At least 28 people have died, and historic temples have been destroyed.

The largest fire, which started in Uiseong County, has burned over 38,000 hectares (93,900 acres)—the biggest wildfire in South Korea's history. Strong winds and dry conditions have enabled the fire to spread rapidly, reaching the coastal county of Yeongdeok (approximately 50 km or 30 miles away) in just 12 hours.

Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as critical, with a rapid spread of the disease causing many casualties. The military has provided extra aviation fuel to keep firefighting helicopters in the air. Over 120 helicopters have been deployed, but the challenging mountain terrain has made firefighting efforts difficult. A pilot died this week when his helicopter crashed while battling the flames.

A small amount of rain fell in the affected areas on March 27, but it was insufficient to extinguish the fire. Experts say climate change is making wildfires worse by creating hotter and drier conditions that turn forests into fuel.

The fires have burned through an area half the size of Singapore, destroying homes and historic sites, including much of Gounsa Temple, which was built in 681 AD. Firefighters are now protecting UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy, which could be in danger if the fire spreads further.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Liverpool Star.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

South Korea’s worst wildfires kill 28, destroy historic temples

ANDONG, South Korea: Wildfires in South Korea have doubled in size in just one day, making them the country's worst fire disaster....

Boeing to face trial this summer in 737 MAX fraud case

US judge sets Boeing 737 MAX fraud trial for June 23

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Boeing is now heading to trial this summer, after a U.S. judge unexpectedly set a date in the criminal fraud case...

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

Wildfires in North and South Carolina fueled by Hurricane Helene

RALEIGH/COLUMBIA: Dry weather, strong winds, and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene have sparked wildfires in North Carolina and South...

Red Cross outraged after killing of Gazan ambulance crews

Eight bodies of 9 missing Red Cross medics found in Gaza

GENEVA,.Switzerland - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed profound outrage following...

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia next month after years of tension

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and kingdom mend relations

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Tesla is finally entering Saudi Arabia, with a launch scheduled for next month—marking a significant shift in...

Apple likely to escape EU fine after browser changes

Apple set to stave off EU fine over browser options, sources say

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Apple appears to have dodged a major regulatory setback in Europe, following recent changes to how users select...

UK

Section

South Korea’s worst wildfires kill 28, destroy historic temples

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

South Korea’s worst wildfires kill 28, destroy historic temples

Boeing to face trial this summer in 737 MAX fraud case

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

Red Cross outraged after killing of Gazan ambulance crews

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia next month after years of tension

Apple likely to escape EU fine after browser changes

UK

Coffee prices set to soar as bean costs and supply woes mount

BRITAIN-LONDON-SPRING SCENERY

Jana Sena party backs Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, Pawan Kalyan directs MPs to support

Xinhua Commentary: From "America First" to "America Only": What North American tariff spats tell the world

CANADA-VANCOUVER-WWI-FIELD ARTILLERY PIECE-UNCOVERED

At Brussels Foreign Ministers Summit, All Eyes Will Be On Marco Rubio

Movie Review

The Suicide Squad