WILDFIRES are raging across parts of South Korea, leaving several dead and turning historic tourist sites to ashes.
Authorities have called the blaze the “worst on record” for the country – so is it currently safe to visit?
Impact of the South Korea fires
The wildfires broke out on Friday, March 21 in South Korea‘s southeastern Uiseong county.
Since then, 88,500 acres of land have been burned and tens of thousands of citizens displaced.
It has been confirmed that 27 people have died as a result of the wildfires so far.
One of these was a helicopter pilot whose firefighting chopper tragically crashed while fighting the flames on Wednesday, March 26.
In another devastating development, flames engulfed the 7th century Gounsa temple – a historic Buddhist building and popular tourist attraction – and razed it to the ground.
Other sites popular with visitors to South Korea are under threat, including the picturesque, UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village.
The inferno travelled 51km in just 12 ours on Wednesday prompting the country's acting president to declare a “critical situation”.
Where are the wildfires?
As of Thursday, March 27, the rapidly-spreading fires are mainly in southeastern and central South Korea.
Many rural areas have been scorched, while cities affected include Andong, Bonghwa, Cheongsong, Mungyeong, Uiseong, Sancheong, Yeongju and Yeongyang.
The country's main tourist hubs of Seoul, Busan and Jeju island are not under immediate threat from the fires as things stand.
What is the current travel advice for South Korea?
South Korea is experiencing a tourism boom.
In 2024, it saw a 48% increase in foreign visitors compared to the previous year.
This time of year is also considered the best period to visit the country due to its cherry blossoms and drier weather.
The UK government has updated its official travel advice for South Korea in response to the fire emergency.
Its website reads: “Forest fires are ongoing in the south-eastern part of South Korea.
“Some evacuation orders and road closures have been imposed.
You should pay close attention to warnings from local authorities and follow any safety instructions that they issue.
“Korean-language emergency alerts will automatically be sent to your mobile phone, and English-language translations of emergency alerts can be accessed on theNational Disaster and Safety Portaland in theEmergency Ready App.“
Besides this safety guidance, there is no current advice against travelling to South Korea.
Flights to all of the country's major international airports seem to be running smoothly, and direct Korean Airlines services between London and Seoul are currently unaffected.
