In the spring of 2025, Togat Village in Wonrim 2-ri, Andong City, Gyeongbuk, was devastated by a massive wildfire that destroyed the entire community. Many residents lost their homes and had to live in temporary housing, with only the village hall remaining intact. Following the disaster, the local youth photography group ‘Localgraphy May’ began visiting the village, engaging with victims and initiating recovery and documentation activities. Supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s ‘Wildfire Disaster Area Youth Community Revitalization Project,’ they built trust through regular visits and heartfelt interactions.
The wildfire that broke out on March 22, 2025, scorched 99,289 hectares across five counties: Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. About 40 Togat Village residents returned to their community, staying in the village hall and working together to rebuild. Localgraphy May, founded in 2018, was among ten youth teams selected for government support, conducting disaster documentation, victim assistance, village maintenance, and psychological and cultural programs. The Ministry’s project began in September 2025, targeting affected areas in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, Ulsan, and Gangwon.
Activists Minji Choi and Jaegak Lee, along with other Localgraphy May members, visited the village every weekend, connecting with elders through photography and drawing. Initially, residents expected the youth’s visits to be short-lived, but their consistent presence and genuine communication built strong relationships. Photography and art activities provided healing from wildfire trauma, allowing residents to preserve memories of lost homes and cherished moments. The village atmosphere gradually brightened, fostering community recovery.
In November 2025, Localgraphy May held an exhibition in downtown Andong featuring residents’ drawings and portraits. Villagers expressed gratitude and amazement at seeing their artwork and photos displayed. Activist Minji Choi emphasized the importance of keeping the wildfire story alive and plans to continue documenting Togat Village and other affected communities, aiming for a larger exhibition in 2026. The ongoing involvement of youth communities is expected to play a vital role in rebuilding and strengthening local society.
This article highlights the crucial role of youth communities in post-disaster recovery and the power of sustained engagement. Through photography and art, Localgraphy May not only documented the rebuilding process but also facilitated emotional healing and strengthened community bonds. Their persistent presence provided psychological support and hope to victims, demonstrating that youth-led, culturally sensitive approaches can be highly effective in disaster response. This case serves as a model for integrating local youth participation and creative methods into future recovery policies.