A devastating wildfire sweeping through southern South Korea has significantly damaged the ancient Gounsa Buddhist temple complex, destroying two nationally designated treasure buildings.
The wildfires, among the worst South Korea has experienced in five days, have resulted in 24 fatalities, the destruction of over 300 structures, and the evacuation of more than 28,000 residents, according to officials on Wednesday.
Reportedly built in 681 A.D. during the Shilla dynasty, which controlled a large portion of the Korean Peninsula, Gounsa temple is located at the base of Deungun Mountain in Uiseong, southeastern South Korea. While the temple doesn’t have structures dating back to that ancient time, it houses several important cultural artifacts from later periods.
Fueled by strong winds, the temple was engulfed in flames on Tuesday. Approximately 20 of its 30 buildings and structures were completely destroyed, including the Gaunru pavilion, built in 1668 and overlooking a stream, and Yeonsujeon, constructed in 1904 to commemorate a king’s longevity, according to the Korea Heritage Service.
Both the Gaunru and Yeonsujeon were built during the Joseon dynasty, Korea’s last dynasty, and were designated as “treasures” by the government. This designation is given to historic buildings, paintings, and other cultural properties of significant historical and artistic value, ensuring state protection and maintenance.
“I visited this morning and found them reduced to ashes,” said Doryun, a senior monk who lived at the temple for over three years earlier in his life. “I feel incredibly empty. Life is fleeting.”
Doryun, who now works for an organization overseeing the temple, said that monks and followers were able to move the temple’s third “treasure,” an 8th-century stone Buddha statue, to safety.
“Many buildings were destroyed, but we relocated and protected other sacred objects, allowing us to preserve the temple. We consider ourselves fortunate,” Doryun told The Associated Press.
Doryun added that about 20 monks and workers reside at the temple, and none were injured.
The Korea Heritage Service confirmed that the temple’s two other minor cultural assets, including a stone pagoda, were also found undamaged.