Shaolin Soccer? How football and faith keep S. Korean temple’s 800-year-old woodblocks safe

Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developmentsHaeinsa 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.Get unlimited access to exclusive stories and incisive insights from the ST newsroom