By Cho Bo-heePosted : March 28, 2025, 11:20Updated : March 28, 2025, 11:20
Gounsa Temple photographed in February/ Yonhap
SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - A devastating wildfire has engulfed and largely destroyed the ancient Gounsa Temple in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province.
The temple, dating back to 681, was a significant cultural landmark.
Most of the temple complex was consumed by the flames. Fortunately, cultural artifacts, including the Stone Seated Buddha, had been moved off-site prior to the fire, averting their destruction.
Images from February, before the blaze, highlight the extent of the damage to the temple.
Gounsa Temple after the fire, March 26, 2025. Yonhap
Gounsa Temple after the fire, March 26, 2025. Yonhap
Gounsa Temple after the fire, March 26, 2025. Yonhap
Gounsa Temple after the fire, March 26, 2025. Yonhap
A gate to Gounsa Temple stands undamaged after the fire. It is one of the few structures that withstood the flames. Yonhap
The Yeonsujeon pavilion at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
The Yeonsujeon pavilion at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
The Gaunru pavilion at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
The Gaunru pavilion at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
The Geuknakjeon hall at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
The Iljumun gate at Gounsa Temple before it was destroyed by the wildfire. Yonhap
Gounsa Temple's Stone Seated Buddha, a cultural treasure, was relocated to a secure location prior to the wildfire. Yonhap
