By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-06 21:11:36 | Updated at 2026-08-06 21:51:52
51 minutes ago
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- Haeinsa Temple in South Korea protects the 800-year-old Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks with strict fire prevention, including monks' fitness training through football and advanced fire safety systems.
- Climate change increases wildfire risks in South Korea, prompting Haeinsa to enhance preparedness with drills, water reserves, fireproof storage, and a planned bunker for emergencies.
- The temple preserves ancient woodcarving skills via a school training artisans to replicate the Tripitaka Koreana, aiming to safeguard cultural heritage amid future challenges like war and climate change.
HAPCHEON - While the world’s best footballers pursue World Cup glory, monks at South Korea’s Haeinsa Temple chase a somewhat different goal in playing football – building the speed and stamina needed to fight fires.
At the 1,200-year-old temple, one of the most important for Buddhism in South Korea, the threat of fire is taken especially seriously.
