wildfires in South Korea and Japan trigger travel warnings

Recent wildfires in South Korea and Japan have raised concerns for travelers planning visits to these countries.

In February 2025, the quiet coastal city of Ōfunato in northern Japan faced an unexpected wildfire that forced hundreds to evacuate. Fueled by dry winter air and strong winds, the fire spread rapidly through forested hillsides near homes. Though no lives were lost, the blaze was a stark warning that even Japan’s colder regions are now vulnerable to wildfires year-round. Photo: SanrikuPHOTO, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Since March 21, 2025, South Korea has been battling severe wildfires across its central and southern regions. The fires have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and forced over 28,000 residents to evacuate. The most significant blaze occurred in Uiseong County, leading to extensive property damage and the displacement of thousands. This is according to to National World.

Authorities have declared several provinces as disaster zones and are investigating the causes, with some fires attributed to human activities such as grave site maintenance and farming operations.

1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple destroyed

One of South Korea’s oldest Buddhist temples, Gounsa Temple, has been destroyed by the raging wildfires. Founded in the year 681 during the Silla dynasty, the temple had stood for over 1,300 years as a spiritual and cultural landmark nestled in the mountains of Uiseong County.

Flames tore through the site, destroying nearly 20 out of 30 historic buildings, including rare wooden halls and pavilions dating back to the Joseon era. While much was lost, temple staff managed to save several national treasures, including a priceless 8th-century stone Buddha statue.

The destruction of Gounsa Temple has deeply saddened the nation, not only for the cultural loss, but as a symbol of the growing impact of climate-fueled disasters.

Monks described the ruins as a «reminder of life’s impermanence,» while officials continue working to contain fires that have killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands across the region.

Travel advice for South Korea

Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and local news sources for the latest information on affected areas.
Avoid Affected Regions: Refrain from traveling to areas impacted by the wildfires, particularly in the southeastern parts of the country.
Follow Local Authorities' Instructions: Adhere to evacuation orders and safety guidelines issued by South Korean officials.
Monitor Air Quality: Wildfires can significantly degrade air quality. Individuals with respiratory conditions should take necessary precautions and consult health advisories.

Japan: Western regions grapple with wildfires

In western Japan, wildfires have erupted in areas including Okayama, Imabari, and Aso, leading to injuries, evacuations, and property damage. The fires began on March 23, 2025, burning hundreds of hectares and continuing into the following days. Dry weather and accumulated dried leaves are believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires.

Before the recent wave of wildfires in western Japan, the country already faced a serious incident in Ōfunato, a coastal city in Iwate Prefecture, in February 2025. Dry winter conditions and strong winds caused a wildfire to erupt in a forested area near residential neighborhoods.

The fire quickly spread, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and damaging several homes. Firefighters worked through difficult terrain to control the blaze, which took over 24 hours to fully contain. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities, but the event highlighted how even Japan’s colder regions are not immune to wildfire threats — especially during unusually dry seasons.

Travel advice for Japan

Consult ufficial travel resources Refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization's Safe Travel Information for updates on natural disasters and safety tips.
Avoid affected areas Steer clear of regions currently battling wildfires, particularly in western Japan.
Stay updated Follow local news and heed instructions from Japanese authorities regarding safety measures and potential evacuations.
Prepare for disruptions Anticipate possible delays or cancellations in transportation services within affected regions.

Travelers to both South Korea and Japan should remain vigilant, stay informed through reliable sources, and prioritize safety by avoiding areas impacted by wildfires.