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Devastating Wildfires Ravage South Korea’s Historic Temple Complex
Recent wildfires in South Korea’s southern regions have led to catastrophic damage, affecting a significant portion of an ancient Buddhist temple complex. Authorities have confirmed that two structures classified as national treasures were destroyed amid these fierce blazes.
For five consecutive days, wildfires described as some of the worst in the nation’s history have resulted in the loss of 24 lives and the destruction of over 300 buildings, forcing more than 28,000 residents to evacuate their homes, according to official reports released on Wednesday.
The Gounsa Temple: A Historical Landmark
Originally established in 681 A.D. during the Shilla dynasty, the Gounsa temple is located at the base of Deungun Mountain in Uiseong, a southeastern town. Although the current structures do not date back to that era, the temple is renowned for its cultural heritage, housing several later constructions of considerable historical value.
As flames engulfed the temple on Tuesday, aided by fierce winds, approximately two-thirds of its 30 buildings were completely consumed. Among those lost were the Gaunru, a pavilion built in 1668 that offers scenic views of a nearby stream, and Yeonsujeon, constructed in 1904 to honor a king’s longevity, as reported by the Korea Heritage Service.
Cultural Significance of the Lost Structures
Both structures held the esteemed designation of “treasure,” which applies to artifacts and buildings recognized for their historic importance and artistic merit, thus receiving government protection and maintenance.
“I visited this morning and saw that they’ve turned into piles of ashes,” expressed Doryun, a senior monk who spent over three years at the temple in his youth. “I feel a deep sense of emptiness. Life, indeed, is fleeting.”
Doryun, who currently works for the Buddhist organization responsible for the temple, noted that the monks and other faith representatives successfully relocated a crucial third cultural asset, a stone Buddha statue believed to have been crafted in the 8th century, to safety.
“Despite the extensive damage to many structures, we were able to safeguard and protect other sacred items, allowing us to preserve some elements of the temple,” he shared with The Associated Press. “We consider ourselves fortunate.”
Community Impact and Resilience
Approximately 20 individuals, including monks and temple staff, reside on-site, and thankfully, none have reported injuries due to the fires. The Korea Heritage Service has communicated that two additional lower-level cultural assets, such as a stone pagoda, remain unaffected by the flames.
The event underscores the vulnerabilities faced by cultural heritage sites in the wake of natural disasters, drawing attention to the imperative of preserving such historical landmarks for future generations.
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