ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – A fire erupted yesterday in a building adjacent to the historic Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul, South Korea, prompting the safe evacuation of over 300 monks and officials.

Authorities have confirmed there were no injuries or damage to the national treasures housed in the building. The incident occurred at a facility utilised by the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist sect in the country and also home to a Buddhist museum containing two designated national treasures and several culturally significant artefacts.

According to Jongno District Fire Department official Kang Kyung-chul, the fire was swiftly brought under control with the deployment of approximately 30 fire engines.

Firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to the main temple hall, a predominantly wooden structure of historical importance.

Thick smoke was seen billowing from the concrete building before emergency services arrived at the scene. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities have yet to disclose the specific artefacts stored in the building at the time.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin