A fire broke out at South Korea’s National Hangeul Museum of Korea on Saturday, producing dramatic plumes of smoke as firefighters responded to the emergency. The blaze, which ignited on the rooftop of the museum, was reported around 8:40 AM (2340 GMT) by the local district office responsible for the area of central Seoul where the museum is located.
The Yongsan district office confirmed the incident, describing it as generating a "large amount of smoke." Dramatic television footage showed large clouds of dark grey smoke streaming from the roof of the structure, alarming both officials and residents.
At the moment, it's unclear what caused the fire, but no detailed information about casualties was immediately available. Initial reports indicated one firefighter was transported to the hospital, though the extent of injuries is still unknown.
Following the outbreak, the local district office issued warnings to those living nearby. Emergency text messages were sent advising residents to keep their windows closed and to avoid traveling to the area. This precaution was likely aimed at reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and ensuring public safety during the firefighting operation.
The National Hangeul Museum holds significant cultural value as it showcases the history and significance of the Korean alphabet, which was invented by King Sejong the Great and his scholars in 1443. The museum houses priceless materials and relics associated with this distinctive script.
This incident at the museum follows closely on the heels of another fire at Gimhae International Airport involving an Air Busan plane, which caught fire on January 28, prompting the evacuation of 176 passengers and injuring several others. The timing of both events raises concerns about fire safety and prevention measures within public spaces.
Firefighting crews quickly mobilized to contain the situation, and it’s expected they will continue their efforts throughout the day to fully extinguish the flames and assess any resulting damage.
The local community remains on alert as authorities work to manage the fire and provide updates. The museum’s unique collection presents not only historical artifacts but also contributes to the identity and heritage of the Korean language, making the urgency of protecting it even greater.
Residents and visitors are reminded to follow local news for updates on the fire’s status and any potential impact on public safety and accessibility to the area.