Fire Breaks Out at Jogyesa Temple Grounds Around 10:22 a.m.
Level 1 Fire Response Issued, 142 Personnel Deployed
Fire Brought Under Control by 11:36 a.m.
Eight Sacred Treasures Relocated as a Precaution
Jogye Order Pledges "Swift Resolution"
A fire that broke out within the grounds of Jogyesa Temple, located in Susong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, was brought under control without any casualties. Jogyesa Temple expressed its regret for causing public concern and emphasized its commitment to swiftly manage the situation.
On the 10th, a fire broke out at the Buddhist Central Museum next to Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, causing smoke to rise. Photo by Yonhap News
On June 10, Jogyesa Temple stated, "At around 10:22 a.m. today, a fire broke out at our denomination's International Conference Hall. Despite the fact that the 234th Central Assembly was in progress at the time, several monks and staff members evacuated quickly, preventing any injuries. We deeply apologize to our followers and the public for causing concern due to this sudden fire. We will promptly bring the situation under control and resolve it as soon as possible."
As the fire occurred in the International Conference Hall that day, many cultural assets stored in the adjacent Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall were urgently relocated to temporary storage to prevent damage. With the cooperation of relevant agencies, eight sacred treasures were moved. At the time, the Korean Buddhist Central Museum was holding a special exhibition titled "Hoseon Uigyeom: The Buddha Revealed at the Tip of the Brush," with numerous sacred relics brought from temples across the country on display. The exhibited national treasures, such as the Yeongsanhoesangdo and Palsangdo from Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, as well as the treasure Sixteen Arhats Painting from Heungguksa Temple in Yeosu, were relocated as a precautionary measure.
During the fire, the fire authorities issued Level 1 response, mobilizing 35 pieces of equipment and 142 personnel, and succeeded in bringing the fire under control at around 11:36 a.m. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but witnesses stated that the fire started with sparks from the ceiling air conditioner.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
