The 5 major-party presidential candidates, who are in a fierce battle for the top office, were united in their concerns for the safety of residents in the eastern city.
Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party and Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party canceled their campaign schedules to visit the Gangneung residents affected by the forest fire.
They asked all measures be taken to ensure the safety of anyone who was up on the mountain.
Ahn highlighted the need to improve outdated risk management systems.
Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party is visiting an elementary school in Gangneung.
He asked the fire and rescue teams to do all they can to ensure no one is hurt.
Though the Liberty Korea's Hong Joon-pyo didn't visit the area, he dispatched a special response team to provide necessary assistance.
Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party sent a message of condolence to the residents hit hard by the disaster, and vowed to provide assistance in any way her party can.
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