Emergency Support for Wildfire Victims, Korea

March 2025: Wildfires Sweep Across the Yeongnam Region in South Korea

In March 2025, multiple large-scale wildfires broke out simultaneously across several areas of the Yeongnam region, destroying countless homes, villages, and buildings. Fueled by strong winds, the flames spread rapidly—crossing mountains and reaching residential areas, schools, and child-care facilities. Many residents were forced to evacuate immediately, unable to take even their most basic belongings, and sought refuge in emergency shelters.

In response to the wildfires, ChildFund Korea promptly formed an Emergency Relief Task Force and launched an immediate response. Through our regional headquarters in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan, we assessed the damage to affected children and families and initiated a nationwide emergency fundraising campaign.

“Ensuring a Safe Place for Children”

In the early stages of the disaster, the fire spread to child-care facilities, forcing approximately 100 children from three facilities to evacuate urgently. With no proper evacuation centers available, they had to stay in school auditoriums that were not equipped for emergency shelter.

ChildFund Korea immediately provided KRW 30 million in emergency relief funds to secure essential items such as food, clothing, and daily necessities for the children. Donated goods were delivered promptly to the affected areas and used without delay, while financial donations were distributed as emergency living expenses, prioritizing households with children.

Thanks to this support, Heesu (pseudonym)—who had evacuated in haste and did not even have a school bag for the next day—was able to purchase a backpack and school supplies. Minji (pseudonym), a 30-day-old infant, was able to receive much-needed diapers.

ChildFund Korea had provided emergency living expenses to 178 children from households whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and delivered home appliances and daily necessities to 241 children. These emergency relief efforts became a source of strength and hope for children and families who had lost their homes and were overwhelmed by loss.

In addition, donations made through GlobalGiving were fully and directly delivered to the affected children.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, ChildFund Korea will continue to work closely with local governments and communities to support housing recovery for families with children affected by the wildfires, including assistance with housing repair and relocation costs. We will also help rebuild child-care infrastructure at the community level in collaboration with relevant local organizations.

Through long-term case management and sustained support, we are committed to standing alongside affected children and families until they are able to return to their daily lives and regain stability.

“When we lost our home in the wildfire and felt completely lost, the warm support from ChildFund Korea brought us great comfort. Thanks to the assistance, we were able to secure essential supplies and a warm place to sleep. Most of all, it gave us emotional stability during a very difficult time.”
— High school student Lee Kyung-beom (pseudonym)

“Watching natural disasters on the news is completely different from experiencing one yourself. The flames spreading through the night, the choking smoke, and my family trembling in fear kept us awake. In that moment, the support from ChildFund Korea’s donors reached us. Knowing that someone cared about us and was thinking of us felt incredibly warm. I will remember that warmth for a long time.”
— High school student Kim Hee-jun (pseudonym)