South Korean Influencer Dies After Falling While Taking Photos at Mongolian Volcano: "Sudden Strong Wind"

Accidents While Taking Photos on Cliffs and Volcanoes
Calls Grow for Stronger Control and Safety Measures at Trekking Destinations

A well-known South Korean travel influencer died in an accident after falling under a volcano in Mongolia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 6, a South Korean woman in her 20s, identified as Ms. A, died after falling at the Uran Togoo volcano in Bulgan Province, Mongolia, on August 28 (local time). Ms. A, who had about 90,000 followers, was a travel influencer who was on a business trip to northern Mongolia when the accident occurred.

Orontogor Volcano in Mongolia. Social Network Service (SNS) capture

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "It is presumed that Ms. A lost her balance and fell to her death after a sudden strong wind blew while she was taking photos on top of the volcano," adding, "We are working with local authorities to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident."

The Uran Togoo volcano, with an elevation of about 1,680 meters, is currently an inactive volcano. The crater has a diameter of 500 to 600 meters and a depth of 50 to 60 meters. The volcano is characterized by steep cliffs, and inside the crater there are grasslands and small ponds. Known for its unique terrain and geological value, it is one of Mongolia's representative volcanic tourist destinations and is located near the Khuvsgul region, which is popular among South Korean tourists. It is also well known as a trekking destination frequently visited by tourists.

Urgent Need for Measures as Accidents Occur While Taking Photos on Cliffs and Volcanoes

Meanwhile, this incident has heightened calls for stricter control and safety management of hazardous areas at overseas trekking destinations. There is an urgent need for safety measures to prevent accidents, as some people approach dangerous areas such as cliffs or volcanoes for photo shoots or Social Network Service (SNS) activities.

In recent years, there have been several fatal accidents in which people fell while taking photos on volcanoes. These incidents mainly occurred when tourists took photos at the edge of volcanic craters or cliffs.

In April last year, a Chinese tourist died after accidentally stepping on her own clothing and falling into the crater of Ijen volcano on Java Island, Indonesia, while taking photos. The tourist had reportedly climbed the volcano with a local guide to watch the sunrise. Initially maintaining a distance of two to three meters from the edge, she gradually moved backward, ignored the guide's warnings about the danger, and was fatally injured after stepping on her clothing while taking photos.