WILDFIRES are raging across parts of South Korea, leaving several dead and turning historic tourist sites to ashes. Authorities have called the blaze the “worst on record” for the

Wildfires in South Korea have intensified, becoming the worst natural disaster in history with 28 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple regions.

Aerial photos and satellite images show large blackened patches across the region, particularly near Uiseong, where the firefront moved with astonishing speed, reaching the coastal town of Yeongdeok, 51km away, in just 12 hours earlier this week.

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.

Deadly wildfires raging in South Korea left residents distraught as they assessed the damage to their homes, many having lost everything. South Korean authorities called the blazes the country’s worst natural fire disaster with at least 26 people killed and historic temples incinerated.

The most destructive wildfires ever to hit South Korea were almost contained, authorities announced Friday, 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.

ANDONG, South Korea (Reuters) -South Korean authorities have contained the main blazes in the country's largest forest fire on record, a minister said on Friday, as rain and better weather allowed more helicopters to fly and dump water,

A forest fire in South Korea's Yeongdeok county, one of a number of wildfires that have engulfed the country's southeastern region, has been contained, the national forest service said on Friday.

The country’s largest blaze on record has left 27 dead and destroyed heritage sites, including two 1,000-year-old temples.