South Koreans in areas affected by deadly wildfires, which have so far killed 24 people and injured 26, including 12 seriously injured, are mourning the loss of life as well as widespread damage to historic heritage and personal property.
Wildfires broke out in six regions of the country on March 21, affecting at least 17,534 hectares of land, according to the central disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters.
Among the ancient heritage burned up in the fire is the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple, a major Buddhist landmark located in fire-ravaged Gyeongsangbuk-do.
"In an instant, the fire reached us from four to five kilometers away and within about ten to twenty minutes, the whole area was destroyed by fire," said the temple's head abbot.
"The loss of such a place is very sad for us," he added.
Businesses have also suffered from the fires with the owner of a destroyed café returning to her premises to find it had been completely destroyed.
"My cafe was right over there. Because of the wildfire it's all burned down to ashes and it's gone," she said.
Wildfires, which broke out in some forest areas in southeastern South Korea on Friday, have been spread by strong winds and dry weather, making firefighting efforts more difficult.
South Koreans mourning losses from deadly wildfires
