A fire broke out at the Jogyesa Temple complex in central Seoul on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of some 300 people and the emergency relocation of valuable Buddhist artifacts. The blaze occurred in the Korean Buddhism History and Culture Memorial Hall, which sits next to the Central Buddhist Museum near Jogyesa, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
According to South Korea’s National Fire Agency, 142 firefighters and 35 fire engines responded to the blaze. The authorities confirmed that the fire, which began at 10:22 a.m., was fully extinguished by 11:57 a.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist order in South Korea, expressed regret over the incident: “We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the Buddhist community and the public due to the sudden fire. We will promptly address the situation and take swift action to ensure public safety.” (The Korea Herald)
The fire was first reported on the second floor of the Memorial Hall, which houses an international conference room. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest it may have originated near this area. The Central Buddhist Museum, which is connected to the building by a basement level, was not directly impacted by the flames, although it was considered at risk.
At the time of the fire, the museum was hosting a special exhibition, “Hoseon Euigyeom: The Buddha Revealed at the Tip of the Brush,” which opened on 9 April and featured rare Buddhist artworks from across the country. Among the 33 items on display were nine state-designated National Treasures, including the Yeongsanhwesangdo and Palsando paintings from Songgwangsa Temple in South Jeolla Province. The collection also included nine state-designated Treasures and several important 18th-century works.
Officials from the Korea Heritage Service reported that eight artifacts requiring immediate protection—one of which is designated as cultural heritage—were successfully relocated to the National Palace Museum of Korea within Gyeongbokgung Palace. The remaining 25 items remain in place pending further evaluation.
The Korea Heritage Service said the artifacts would undergo thorough assessment and would be stored temporarily at the state museum. The agency did not confirm whether additional items would be transferred.
South Korea’s Buddhist heritage includes a wealth of ancient manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and architectural monuments, many of which have been preserved for centuries in active monastic settings. The Jogye Order maintains a leadership role in safeguarding many of these cultural properties.
Jogyesa, located in Seoul’s Jongno District, is the administrative center of the Jogye Order and is a key site of religious practice and cultural tourism. The temple complex includes the Central Buddhist Museum and the recently affected Memorial Hall, both of which are frequently used for exhibitions, conferences, and interfaith events.
As of Wednesday morning, no structural damage to the main temple complex had been reported. The fire authorities and cultural preservation experts were continuing their investigations into the origin of the blaze and the condition of artifacts and facilities affected.
The response to the fire and rapid evacuation of important items has been commended by officials and the broader Buddhist community. The Jogye Order pledged to implement stronger fire prevention measures and to maintain close cooperation with cultural heritage agencies to ensure the safety of Buddhist treasures.
South Korea is a predominantly non-religious country, with 50.7 per cent of the population holding no religious affiliation, according to 2024 data. Christians make up 31.3 per cent of the population, while Buddhists account for 17 per cent. The Jogye Order represents the largest of the country’s traditional orders with Jogyesa remaining a focal point for Buddhist ceremonies, teachings, and cultural preservation.
See more
Fire at Buddhist museum (Yonhap News Agency)
8 artifacts relocated to nearby museum after Jogyesa complex fire (The Korea Herald)
Jogyesa fire contained, no casualties reported (The Korea Herald)
Fire near South Korea’s Jogye temple contained, treasures spared, officials say (MSN)
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