The fire that broke out in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk on March 22 spread to Andong and in the nearby regions, causing a widespread destruction to the cultural heritage sites, including the Manhyujeong Pavilion, a famous location for the drama “Mr. Sunshine.”
On March 25, the authorities confirmed that the fire reached the areas including the Juwangsan National Park of Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok. Among the damaged sites there was the temple of Millenne Gounsa, where the Yeonsujeon room was destroyed. Fortunately, the National Treasure n. 246, the sitting stone Buddha was transferred safely before the arrival of the flames.
Manhyujeong in Andong, built during the Joseon dynasty as a withdrawal for the scholar Kim Gye-Heng, was also completely lost despite the fire-fighting efforts. The pavilion, surrounded by forests and panoramic waterways, obtained global recognition after its apparition “Mr. Sunshine”, Especially for the iconic scene in which Lee Byung-Hun tells Kim Tae-Ri, “Let’s do it. Love. With me.”
The fire interrupted the transport, with Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation) that stopped trains between Yeongju and Gyeongju. In response to the disaster, several celebrities, including Lee Chan-Won, Im Si-Wan, Yoo Jae-Suk and Kim Jin-Woo of the winner, have donated at rescue prices.
While Korea cries the loss of these cultural reference points, experts are soliciting stronger protective measures to safeguard the national heritage from future natural catastrophes.
