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A bell is seen broken at the remains of the bell pavilion due to wildfires at Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, South Korea, Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Video. Deadly wildfires ravage southern South Korea

Updated:

Wind-driven wildfires in South Korea's southern regions have killed at least 24 people, forced thousands to evacuate, and damaged historic sites.

At least 24 people have died as wind-driven wildfires swept through South Korea’s southern regions, forcing thousands to flee and destroying over 200 structures, officials said on Wednesday.

The fires, among the country's worst in history, have scorched more than 43,000 acres, including Gounsa, a historic Buddhist temple. Two state-designated treasures were lost, but a stone Buddha statue from the 8th century was safely evacuated.

Authorities suspect human error may have sparked some fires.

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