The UK Foreign Office has issued a new travel warning for South Korea due to wildfires that have already killed at least 27 people. Authorities believe human activities like welding work could have sparked multiple fires which, fuelled by strong winds and dry land, have spread rapidly – resulting in the country’s largest wildfire on record. In a statement, the department 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. Korean-language emergency alerts will automatically be sent to your mobile phone, and English-language translations of emergency alerts can be accessed on the National Disaster and Safety Portal and in the Emergency Ready App.”

The fires, which began last week and started in Uiseong, have already claimed 27 lives and forced at least 27,000 people to leave their homes.

According to the government, the blaze has destroyed over 88,488 acres of land and affected hundreds of buildings and structures, including homes and temples.

One notable loss is a seventh-century Buddhist temple, which was burnt to the ground after surviving for more than 1,000 years. 

A total of 15 national treasures and artefacts, including Buddha paintings from temples in North Gyeongsang province, have had to be relocated to safer locations.

The Foreign Office has previously warned of elevated political tensions in the country, saying big demonstrations are likely to continue after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and arrest. 

The department wrote: “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).

“Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid large public gatherings.”