Tents Block Passageways, Hindering Hikers' Movement
Some Reports Claim Cooking Was Done Inside Certain Tents
There have been ongoing incidents of people setting up tents on summit decks, blocking the paths for hikers. In June of last year, tents were repeatedly set up on the safety deck of Palbong Mountain in Seosan, drawing criticism from internet users. In March of this year, a man, angered by tents occupying the deck, poured waste oil at the summit of Taehaeng Mountain in Hwaseong. During the Chuseok holiday, a photo showing the observatory trail on Samak Mountain in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, filled with camping tents was posted online, once again fueling controversy.
A photo of a tent posted on an online community on the 10th. In the passage shown in the photo, there are also signboards installed that list actions prohibited in the mountains, such as △No cooking △No smoking △No littering. Online community "BobaeDream"
On the 10th, several online communities were filled with complaints from users who said that the deck trail at the Samak Mountain observatory was blocked by tents, making it difficult to pass. Informant Mr. A said, "The photo was taken around 6:25 a.m. on the 9th, on the way to the Samak Mountain observatory," adding, "Several tents occupied the passage, completely blocking the way for hikers."
Mr. A also said, "Some people were even cooking with burners inside the tents," and added, "I went to the mountain in good spirits to watch the sunrise for the holiday, but ended up just getting angry and raising my blood pressure." In the photo, signboards are installed along the passage listing prohibited actions in the mountains, such as △No cooking △No smoking △No littering. Internet users who saw the photo also voiced criticism, saying, "How can they do this in a passageway meant for people?", "Such illegal acts are subject to fines, but the punishments are too lenient, so these incidents keep happening," and "What if a wildfire breaks out while they're cooking?"
Such actions go beyond mere nuisance and are clearly illegal. According to Article 27 of the current Natural Parks Act, camping or cooking within park areas without permission is prohibited, and violators can be fined up to 500,000 won. Furthermore, Article 34 of the Forest Protection Act strictly bans the use of fire and burners in forests. Violators can be fined up to 3 million won. In addition, if campers block the passage and obstruct public movement, they may be charged under Article 185 of the Criminal Act for "Obstruction of General Traffic." One internet user commented, "The summit is a place for everyone to enjoy, but it has been ruined by the selfishness of a few," and insisted, "Crackdowns and penalties must be strengthened."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
