Unprecedented wildfires in South Korea’s southern regions have devastated parts of an ancient Buddhist temple complex, destroying two buildings that were designated national treasures. These fires, which have been raging for five days, are considered among the worst in the country’s history, resulting in 24 deaths, more than 300 structures destroyed, and over 28,000 residents forced to evacuate. The Gounsa temple, originally built in 681 A.D. during the Shilla dynasty, was completely engulfed in flames as strong winds fueled the wildfires. The temple, nestled at the foot of Deungun Mountain in the town of Uiseong, did not have buildings from the ancient era but was home to several famous cultural heritages built later.
The two buildings that were burned down, including the Gaunru pavilion built in 1668 and the Yeonsujeon structure built in 1904, were both constructed during the Joseon dynasty and had the government designation of “treasure.” This status is given to old buildings, paintings, and other cultural assets with historical and artistic significance, providing them with state-level protection and maintenance. Doryun, a senior monk who had lived at the temple for over three years when he was younger, expressed his devastation at the loss of these treasured buildings. Despite the destruction, some of the temple’s sacred assets, such as a stone Buddha statue from the 8th century, were successfully moved to safety by monks and Buddhist faithful.
Doryun, who now works for a Buddhist organization overseeing the temple, shared that around 20 monks and other workers live at the temple, and thankfully, none have been injured in the wildfires. While many buildings were destroyed, other sacred assets, including a stone pagoda, have been found intact by the Korea Heritage Service. The remaining monks and workers are focused on maintaining the temple and preserving its cultural heritage despite the widespread destruction caused by the fires. Doryun expressed a sense of emptiness at the loss of the beloved buildings but also gratitude for the protection of the temple’s valuable assets.
The Gounsa temple holds historical and cultural significance dating back to the ancient periods of Korean history, making it a cherished landmark for locals and tourists alike. The destruction caused by the wildfires has shocked the nation and highlighted the urgent need for protection measures to prevent further damage to these important cultural sites. The government and heritage organizations are likely to intensify efforts to safeguard other historical treasures in the region and enhance emergency response plans to mitigate the risk of future disasters. The resilience of the monks, workers, and local communities in the face of this tragedy underscores the deep connection and commitment to preserving South Korea’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
