Area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea
South Korea: Area burned by wildfires by land cover type was 21.47 hectares in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea, 2002–2024
Source: Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in hectares.
Analysis
The most recent figure for area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea is 21.47 hectares, measured in 2024.
The figure is down 88.9% on the previous year and down 90.0% over ten years.
Over the whole period, area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea peaked at 965.96 hectares in 2017 and was at its lowest, 0 hectares, in 2002.
That places South Korea 143rd out of 225 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 174.41 hectares | 0 hectares | 579.58 hectares | 8 |
| 2010s | 221.1 hectares | 0 hectares | 965.96 hectares | 10 |
| 2020s | 115.92 hectares | 0 hectares | 193.19 hectares | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Korea
More reference data data for South Korea
- Spring temperature anomalies 1.1 °C (2026)
- Summer temperature anomalies 0.7164 °C (2026)
- Temperature anomalies by month -0.8996 °C (2026)
- Universal right to vote in practice 2 (2025)
- Autumn temperature anomalies 2.24 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.9115 °C (2025)
- Consumer price index 135 2010 = 100 (2025)
- Universal right to vote 2 (2025)
- Competitive elections 1 (2025)
- Men's universal right to vote 1 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea?
- Area burned by wildfires by land cover type in South Korea was 21.47 hectares in 2024, according to Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest area burned by wildfires by land cover type recorded in South Korea?
- The highest recorded value was 965.96 hectares in 2017.
- What is the lowest area burned by wildfires by land cover type recorded in South Korea?
- The lowest recorded value was 0 hectares in 2002.
- How does South Korea rank for area burned by wildfires by land cover type?
- South Korea ranks 143rd out of 225 countries with data for 2024.
- Is area burned by wildfires by land cover type rising or falling in South Korea?
- Over the last ten years it is down 90.0%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Korea data come from?
- The figures come from Global Wildfire Information System (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Area burned by wildfires by land cover type. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Area of shrubland and grassland burnt by wildfires each year, in hectares. Includes open and closed shrublands and grasslands without a significant tree cover.