(LEAD) national treasures-relocation
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| ▲ Officials assess the fire damage at Goun Temple in Uiseong, located about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 26, 2025. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This photo shows before-and-after images of Goun Temple in Uiseong, located about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, following a wildfire. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Choi Eung-Chon, administrator of the National Heritage Service, inspects a seated Buddha statue in Bongjeong Temple in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 26, 2025. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) national treasures-relocation
(LEAD) National treasures moved to safety amid raging wildfires
(ATTN: UPDATES with latest details in 6th para; ADDS photos)
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- National treasures and cultural artifacts have been relocated to safer locations as wildfires continue to ravage South Korea's southeast regions.
The Korea Heritage Service said as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, it had moved 15 historic pieces, including wooden printing blocks and Buddha paintings, from major temples, such as Bongjeong Temple in Andong and Buseok Temple in Yeongju, both located in North Gyeongsang Province.
These temples are among seven Buddhist monasteries designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites under the "Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea" classification.
The 15 relocated pieces include 10 national treasures, notably a seated stone Buddha statue from the now-destroyed Goun Temple in Uiseong, along with five additional tangible cultural heritage items.
The state agency has identified eight cases of fire damage so far but said a more detailed assessment will follow.
Regarding the two treasures, Yeongsu Hall and Gaunru Pavilion at Goun Temple, the agency confirmed that they were completely burned down following an on-site inspection earlier in the day. Of the 30 building at the ancient temple, only nine escaped the flames.
Authorities are on high alert for potential damage to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon, both located in Andong, as wildfires are approaching the areas.
At least 18 people have been killed by a series of wildfires, with firefighters still working to contain the rapidly spreading blazes.
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