Popular 'Mr. Sunshine' film location, Manhyujeong Pavilion in Andong, possibly damaged by wildfire

The wildfire that spread from Uiseong, Gyeongbuk to Gilan-myeon, Andong, has reportedly destroyed cultural heritage sites and wooden structures, including the Manhyujeong Pavilion in Andong, famous for being the film site for 'Mr. Sunshine.'

In preparation for the spread of the fire, Andong City had deployed fire trucks and personnel to protect sites such as Manhyujeong, Yongdamsa Temple, and Mukgye Seowon. However, as the fire rapidly spread and reached Cheongsong, all equipment and personnel were withdrawn after 4 PM on March 25.

It is assumed by the city that the Manhyujeong Pavilion was burned after staff had to hastily evacuate as the fire advanced rapidly toward it.

Additionally, as Yongdamsa Temple and Mukgye Seowon were nearby, they likely suffered some damage as well.

The site remained inaccessible due to the wildfire, and the extent of the damage to these locations has not been confirmed yet.

An Andong official explained, "Because we evacuated quickly, we couldn't confirm whether the buildings were completely destroyed, and the site is currently inaccessible due to smoke and flames, so it's impossible to verify the situation."

In response to the spreading fire, Gyeongbuk Province and Andong City moved some cultural artifacts to the Andong World Confucian Culture Museum on the 24th, including four Buddha statues and five paintings from Yongdamsa Temple, three Buddha statues and five paintings from Geumjeongam, and six other cultural items.

These artifacts are not designated as official cultural heritage. However, the architectural structures of Yongdamsa's Muryangjeon and Geumjeongam's Hwaeomgangdang could not be moved.

Yongdamsa Temple is located in Geongok-ri, Gilan-myeon, Andong, and is a temple belonging to the 16th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

Manhyujeong Pavilion, which was built by the Joseon-era scholar Bo Baekdang Kim Gyehaeng for his retirement, became more famous after being featured in the drama 'Mr. Sunshine.'

Mukgye Seowon, located across from the Gilancheon Stream, was founded in 1687 during King Sukjong's reign to honor Kim Gyehaeng and others. It was designated as a cultural heritage site by Gyeongbuk Province on June 17, 1980.

Meanwhile, at least 13 deaths have been confirmed due to the wildfires that began in the Yeongnam region on March 21.