Deadliest wildfires in South Korean history leave at least 24 people dead
At least 24 fatalities have been reported as of March 26, 2025, in the deadliest wildfires in South Korean history. The fires have burned through tens of thousands of acres and destroyed national treasures such as a 1 300-year-old temple in Uiseong.
Wildfires burning through South Korea on March 25, 2025. Image credit: Korea Forest Service
- At least 24 people have died due to wildfires in southeastern South Korea since March 21.
- The fires have become the deadliest in South Korea’s history and the third largest by area at 17 000 ha (42 000 acres) burned.
At least 24 fatalities have been reported as a result of the wildfires that erupted across southeastern South Korea on March 21, 2025.
The blazes have destroyed more than 200 structures, including the 1 300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. More than 27 000 people have been forced to evacuate, according to official statements on March 26, 2025.
Most of the fatalities were people in their 60s and 70s. One of the fatalities was a pilot who died after a helicopter crash during firefighting efforts in Uiseong, one of the hardest-hit areas. The aircraft had no other crew members. At least 26 people have been injured, with 12 in critical condition.
As of March 26, the Sancheong fire burned through 1 708 ha (4 221 acres) of land and was 77 % contained, while the blaze in Ulju scorched 681 ha (1 683 acres) and was 74 % contained. Thirteen helicopters and more than 1 200 personnel are responding to the fires.
The crisis remains critical and is described as “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history,” according to acting president Han Duck-soo.
On March 25, the national fire agency raised the crisis to the highest fire response level—the first time this alert has been issued this year.
Wildfires are relatively uncommon in South Korea, and fatalities from them are rare. The current wildfires, which have killed 18 people in recent days, are the deadliest in the country’s history.
Approximately 17 000 ha (42 000 acres) of forest have also been destroyed, making the fires the third largest in South Korea’s history in terms of area burned.
The blazes in Uiseong destroyed the Gounsa Temple, built in 618 AD, which was one of the largest temples in the province. Fortunately, cultural relics from the temple were relocated to safer areas. A Buddhist architectural structure designated a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910) was also destroyed, according to forestry authorities.
South Korea has been experiencing drier-than-normal conditions with below-average rainfall. There have been 244 wildfires so far this year—2.4 times more than during the same period last year.
References:
1 At least 24 dead as wildfires ravage southern South Korea and force 27,000 to evacuate – AP – March 26, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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