South Korea's National Hangeul Museum catches fire

South Korea's National Hangeul Museum catches fire

A museum in South Korea that showcases the history of the Korean alphabet caught fire on Saturday, producing dramatic plumes, officials said.

The fire broke out on the rooftop of the National Hangeul Museum of Korea at around 8:40 a.m. (2340 GMT), according to the local district office in charge of the area where the museum is located.

The blaze produced a "large amount of smoke," according to the Yongsan district office.

Dramatic TV footage showed large, dark gray smoke spreading into the sky from the rooftop of the building.

No details on casualties were immediately available, but one firefighter was taken to a hospital, local broadcaster YTN reported.

The district office warned nearby residents to keep their windows shut.

"Residents in the vicinity are advised to keep their windows closed and refrain from visiting the area," the Yongsan district office said in an emergency text message sent to residents.

The state-run institution located in the center of the capital Seoul houses priceless materials and relics related to the unique Korean alphabet, which was first invented in 1443.

The incident comes days after an Air Busan plane caught fire at the Gimhae International Airport Tuesday, prompting 176 to evacuate and leaving seven injured.

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