A massive wildfire in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, has completely destroyed Guunsa Temple. Guunsa Temple is an important Buddhist temple founded in 681 AD by the monk Uisang during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD). The temple is located on the slopes of Deungun Mountain in Danchon-myeon, Uiseong County, and is the main temple of the 16th District of the Jogye Order.
Although officials from the Korea Heritage Administration on Monday moved some of the most precious artifacts, including a stone Buddha statue designated as a national treasure, to other parts of North Gyeongsang Province, the temple itself was not spared.
The wildfire quickly spread to Uiseong County and narrowly missed the historic Hahoe Village in Andong City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At 4:55 p.m., the Andong City Government issued a disaster alert urging residents of Hahoe Village to evacuate to designated shelters.
Emergency workers are pouring water around the site to prevent embers from igniting the village. Existing firefighting infrastructure near the historical landmark is being used as a precaution.
The fire initially broke out on a mountain in Uiseong County around 11:25 a.m. Saturday. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread to multiple areas and reached Andong the next day.
Authorities are continuing to work to contain the fire, but worsening winds and dry weather are complicating rescue operations. No casualties were reported as of Monday evening, but concerns remain high about the safety of historical sites and residents along the fire’s path.
