Volunteer tourists bring helping hands back to Korea's worst wildfire-hit regions

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Volunteering while traveling pundits say.. can be a rewarding experience if it's done properly and that is what a recent group of guests to the Korean city of Andong sought to do.

Our Park Kun-woo files this report.

Weeks have passed since the worst wildfire in South Korea's history mainly scorched Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in the southeast part of the country in March.

Over 99-thousand hectares of land, roughly the size of 140-thousand football fields, were affected.

In hard-hit regions like Andong , signs of the disaster still remain from charred trees on once-dense forest slopes to ruined homes, warehouses, and damaged cultural heritage sites.

And with recovery still underway, tourist numbers have declined.

But recently, change has been made thanks to volunteer tourists visitors who come not just to travel, but to help.

Wearing gloves and masks, and fueled by sincerity, they are clearing away burnt tree branches and gently cleaning cultural treasures using camelia oil amid thick dust.

"I was scared when the wildfire happened, though my school wasn't very close. I can only imagine how terrifying it must've been for people living nearby. That's why I came believing that small acts like ours can lead to big changes."

"Burnt tree branches like this are scattered everywhere. Just clearing one away helps bring life back to this region. And especially in a place that's full of cultural heritage, such as Andong, you get to realize how much we almost lost. That's why every small effort here truly matters."

And the residents have taken notice.

"The wildfire happened overnight. Everything just burned down. So it means a lot seeing these young people come all the way to this rural area to help us."

After lending a hand, participants also get a chance to explore the area's beauty and history.

"I'd never had the chance to visit neat places like Manhyujeong Pavilion before. Knowing it almost burned down made the visit even more meaningful."

To boost recovery, the government is also rolling out campaigns to encourage more visitors, offering travel discounts and support, along with more volunteer tourism programs.

And with the help of these visitors, efforts are raising hopes to bring vitality back to fire-stricken regions.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Andong.