Charred, black ruins at South Korea's Gounsa temple stood in stark contrast to the kaleidoscope of colours that are a trademark of the country's historic palaces and Buddhist temples.

Officials say the most destructive wildfires ever to hit South Korea are almost contained. The government's announcement Friday comes after rain and cooler temperatures helped fire crew put out the blazes that have killed 28 people and razed vast swaths of land since last week.

One monk said his old temple was ‘reduced to heaps of ashes,’ as the fires continue to rage across the country