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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) |
national treasures-relocation
National treasures moved to safety amid raging wildfires
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 of Goun Temple -- which are presumed to have been completely burned down, the agency said the extent of the damage will be determined after an on-site inspection.
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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