Be Careful During Autumn Hiking... 21 Climbing Accidents in Seoraksan in Two Days

Seoraksan

As the autumn foliage deepens, the number of hikers is increasing, and with it, accidents involving climbers are also on the rise, requiring caution.

According to the Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters on the 2nd, a total of 21 accidents occurred in Seoraksan National Park from the previous day until 5 p.m. on the same day.

At around 3:40 p.m. on this day, a man in his 70s who was passing through the Baekdamsa Eumjigol Valley in Seoraksan National Park, Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, fell 15 meters down and sustained injuries to his pelvis and waist. He was rescued by the fire authorities.

Earlier that day, at 11:39 a.m., a woman in her 60s climbing Daeseungryeong sprained her ankle due to a fall and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter. The previous day at 6:07 p.m., a man in his 60s descending the Osaek section rolled about 10 meters down the trail.

In addition, hikers showing symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and muscle cramps were rescued by the fire authorities and hospitalized.

The Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters urged hikers to check their physical condition before hiking and to consider their stamina to prevent accidents such as exhaustion or dehydration.

They advised thoroughly checking maps and trails and preparing well by installing the 119 emergency app in advance, which can be used in areas where mobile phone use is difficult.

During the weekend, the number of visitors to Seoraksan was 20,300 the previous day and recorded 20,400 by 5 p.m. on the same day.

Currently, the autumn foliage in Seoraksan has descended from the summit, Daecheong, to near the Jungcheong Shelter.