Latest news with #WonMyung-soo
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Is it safe to travel to South Korea during wildfires which have killed 27?
As wildfires in South Korea scorch thousands of acres across its south-east, concerns have been raised over the safety of tourists planning to visit the country. Fires that began burning in Uiseong county have now been burning for nearly a week in the biggest single forest fire in South Korea's history. According to the government's disaster response centre, more than 88,488 acres of land have been burnt in the fire-hit areas since Friday (21 March). At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, including the pilot of a firefighting helicopter, in what authorities are calling the country's worst fire disaster on record. More than 27,000 people have been evacuated from cities and towns including Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong and Ulsan with several emergency shelters set up in schools and gyms. Infrastructure including airports – Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport – are largely functioning as normal, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against travel to the country. But is it safe to go, and what are your rights if you have a trip booked? Here's what we know so far. Read more: South Korea wildfires latest – 'Largest on record' blaze kills 27 and destroys ancient Buddhist temples On Wednesday (26 March), wildfires that originated in Uiseong moved rapidly eastward, carried by gusty winds to the coast. According to Won Myung-soo, director of satellite imagery analysis for the National Forestry Service, the blaze reached the coastal county of Yeongdeok, 32 miles away, in just 12 hours. Stocks of aviation fuel have been released by the military to aid more than 120 firefighting helicopters fighting the flames in three mountainous regions. Officials suspect human error, such as sparks during welding work, is behind the fires that began last Friday. A report by the Climate Central group found that high temperatures and dry conditions in the region had turned 'dry landscapes into dangerous fire fuel'. South Korea has relocated 15 national treasures and cultural artefacts, including wooden printing blocks and Buddha paintings, from major temples in the North Gyeongsang province to safer locations. Hundreds of structures, including houses, factories and a Buddhist temple, are reported to have already been destroyed in the fires. The Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned travellers about ongoing wildfires in the south-eastern part of South Korea. It said: '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.' Travellers are advised that Korean-language emergency alerts will be automatically sent to their phones with English-language translations accessible on the National Disaster and Safety Portal and in the Emergency Ready App. 'You can track the location and progress of fires through the Korea Forest Service website in English and Korean. Contact the South Korean authorities by calling 119 if you need emergency assistance,' added the FCDO. Separately, the Foreign Office warns of elevated political tensions across the country, with large demonstrations likely following President Yoon's impeachment and arrest. 'Protests are particularly likely in the areas around Gwanghwamun and the Constitutional Court (Anguk), and could also occur in various parts of Seoul at different times, including in the areas around the Seoul Western District Court (Gongdeok) and the National Assembly (Yeouido),' advice states. South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo called the wildfires 'unprecedented' yesterday (26 March) and said the crisis was 'rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation's history'. "Damages are snowballing," Mr Han said. "There are concerns that we'll have wildfire damages that we've never experienced, so we have to concentrate all our capabilities to put out the wildfires in the rest of this week." At a government response meeting today, he said: "We are nationally in a critical situation with numerous casualties because of the unprecedented rapid spread of forest fires." Since the Foreign Office has not issued a warning against travel due to the wildfires, there will be no special circumstances allowing for a full refund on cancelled trips. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes. The terms for cancelling your trip depend on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you wish to postpone. Some travel insurance policies will include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination – speak to your insurer to find out your rights.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to South Korea during wildfires which have killed 27?
As wildfires in South Korea scorch thousands of acres across its south-east, concerns have been raised over the safety of tourists planning to visit the country. Fires that began burning in Uiseong county have now been burning for nearly a week in the biggest single forest fire in South Korea's history. According to the government's disaster response centre, more than 88,488 acres of land have been burnt in the fire-hit areas since Friday (21 March). At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, including the pilot of a firefighting helicopter, in what authorities are calling the country's worst fire disaster on record. More than 27,000 people have been evacuated from cities and towns including Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong and Ulsan with several emergency shelters set up in schools and gyms. Infrastructure including airports – Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport – are largely functioning as normal, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against travel to the country. But is it safe to go, and what are your rights if you have a trip booked? Here's what we know so far. What is happening in South Korea and where are the wildfires? On Wednesday (26 March), wildfires that originated in Uiseong moved rapidly eastward, carried by gusty winds to the coast. According to Won Myung-soo, director of satellite imagery analysis for the National Forestry Service, the blaze reached the coastal county of Yeongdeok, 32 miles away, in just 12 hours. Stocks of aviation fuel have been released by the military to aid more than 120 firefighting helicopters fighting the flames in three mountainous regions. Officials suspect human error, such as sparks during welding work, is behind the fires that began last Friday. A report by the Climate Central group found that high temperatures and dry conditions in the region had turned 'dry landscapes into dangerous fire fuel'. South Korea has relocated 15 national treasures and cultural artefacts, including wooden printing blocks and Buddha paintings, from major temples in the North Gyeongsang province to safer locations. Hundreds of structures, including houses, factories and a Buddhist temple, are reported to have already been destroyed in the fires. What is the latest Foreign Office travel advice? The Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned travellers about ongoing wildfires in the south-eastern part of South Korea. It said: '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.' Travellers are advised that Korean-language emergency alerts will be automatically sent to their phones with English-language translations accessible on the National Disaster and Safety Portal and in the Emergency Ready App. 'You can track the location and progress of fires through the Korea Forest Service website in English and Korean. Contact the South Korean authorities by calling 119 if you need emergency assistance,' added the FCDO. Separately, the Foreign Office warns of elevated political tensions across the country, with large demonstrations likely following President Yoon's impeachment and arrest. 'Protests are particularly likely in the areas around Gwanghwamun and the Constitutional Court (Anguk), and could also occur in various parts of Seoul at different times, including in the areas around the Seoul Western District Court (Gongdeok) and the National Assembly (Yeouido),' advice states. What does the South Korean government say? South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo called the wildfires 'unprecedented' yesterday (26 March) and said the crisis was 'rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation's history'. "Damages are snowballing," Mr Han said. "There are concerns that we'll have wildfire damages that we've never experienced, so we have to concentrate all our capabilities to put out the wildfires in the rest of this week." At a government response meeting today, he said: "We are nationally in a critical situation with numerous casualties because of the unprecedented rapid spread of forest fires." Can I cancel my holiday or flight and get a refund? Since the Foreign Office has not issued a warning against travel due to the wildfires, there will be no special circumstances allowing for a full refund on cancelled trips. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes. The terms for cancelling your trip depend on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you wish to postpone. Some travel insurance policies will include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination – speak to your insurer to find out your rights.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
South Korea wildfires latest: ‘Largest on record' blaze kills 26 and destroys ancient Buddhist temples
Wildfires raging in South Korea doubled in size today, with authorities calling them the country's worst fire disaster on record. Since Friday, more than 35,810 hectares (88,488 acres) of land in the southeast has been scorched, the disaster response centre said. The fire that began in Uiseong county is now the biggest single forest fire in South Korea's history, surpassing the 24,000-hectare blaze of March 2000. At least 26 people were confirmed dead, including a pilot of a firefighting helicopter which crashed yesterday. Hundreds of structures have been burnt or damaged, including historic 7th-century Buddhist temple that was reduced to ashes as the fire continued to expand. 'We are nationally in a critical situation with numerous casualties because of the unprecedented rapid spread of forest fires,' acting president Han Duck Soo said at a government response meeting. The Uiseong fire spread rapidly on Wednesday, reaching Yeongdeok on the east coast, 51km away, in just 12 hours. While light rain is forecast in the southwest, most affected areas are expected to receive less than 5mm, offering little relief. South Korea's wildfire doubles up in size, becomes the largest on record Wildfires raging in South Korea doubled in size today from a day earlier, as authorities called the blazes the country's worst fire disaster. More than 35,000 hectares (88,000 acres) have been charred or were still burning in the largest of the fires that began in the central Uiseong county, making it the biggest single forest fire in South Korea's history. The previous record was 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) in a March 2000 fire. The wildfires that originated in Uiseong have been moving rapidly eastward, spreading almost to the coast, carried by gusty winds and with dry conditions aggravating the situation. The Uiseong fire began spreading quickly yesterday, reaching the coastal county of Yeongdeok 51km (32 miles) away in just 12 hours, said Won Myung-soo, director of satellite imagery analysis for the national forestry service. Stuti Mishra27 March 2025 07:58
Korea Herald
25-03-2025
- Climate
- Korea Herald
Not just climate, but local factors contribute to Korea's wildfire crisis
Korean forests' high concentration of pine trees cited as one factor behind ongoing wildfire crisis Following a wave of megafires worldwide, South Korea's ongoing battle against massive forest fires seems to serve as another evidence of wildfire risks linked to climate change. But local experts say that there are Korea-specific issues in addition to global climate factors: the very dry spring weather and high concentration of pine trees in Korean forests. According to the Korea Forest Service, nearly 30 wildfires broke out mostly in southeastern regions of South Korea in the past few days, with a major blaze starting in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on Friday, followed by additional fires in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province and Ulju, Yeongnam. Despite firefighting efforts, the flames area continuing to spread across the mountainous terrain. The government said the fires are being prolonged by unusually dry spring weather, lower-than-average precipitation, high temperatures and strong winds. In Uiseong, average rainfall in January is typically 15.5 millimeters, but this year it received just 7.4 millimeters. February saw an even more drastic decline, with just 4.8 millimeters of precipitation, compared to a historical average of 22.6 millimeters. A dry weather advisory has been in effect for days across both North and South Gyeongsang Provinces. Uiseong recorded unseasonably high temperatures — 25.2 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 26.4 degrees the following day — more typical of early summer than spring. Gusts reaching up to 17.9 meters per second further intensified the spread of the fires. Another contributing factor is the aging and overgrown state of the nation's forests. While past reforestation projects have made mountains lush again, experts say the lack of thinning has left them vulnerable, essentially turning them into tinderboxes. Korean forests are predominantly made up of pine trees, which burn more easily than hardwood. These coniferous trees tend to ignite easily and facilitate crown fires, where flames jump from treetop to treetop. Firebrands — burning embers carried by the wind — also spread more easily in such conditions. Won Myung-soo, head of the state-run National Forest Satellite Information Utilization Center, explained that the resin contained in pine needles can intensify the flames. 'When it comes into contact with flames, it makes the fire more aggressive and stronger,' he told YTN, adding that the forest agency has been working to convert pine tree forests into mixed forests, which are more resistant to wildfires. Experts have called for more aggressive efforts to make Korea's forests, which cover nearly 70 percent of the country's territory, more fire-resistant by planting more broad-leaved trees. Choi Byung-sung, executive director of the Climate Disaster Research Institute, told Kukinews that Japan and China — which share similar climates with Korea — have seen a decline in large-scale wildfires due to long-standing efforts to plant hardwood forests. 'In contrast, Korea's forests are still dominated by highly flammable conifers like pine, which is a key reason for these destructive fires,' Choi said.
