Stabbing Incident at Recreation Area in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk
"Not Right, But Raise Awareness" Criticism
At a recreational area in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk, 'reservation tents' were vandalized, drawing attention as campers responded with relief, saying it was "refreshing."
On the 13th, multiple online communities saw the spread of a post titled 'Reservation Tent Punishment Incident.' The post included photos recently uploaded to a camping-related online cafe.
The photos showed tents lined up at the downstream U-mun Dam recreational area, all vandalized and damaged. The tents appeared torn in many places as if cut with something sharp, with large holes visible.
The author of the post wrote, "Today's reservation tent disaster," adding, "They must have been pure campers who loved camping, but how angry must someone have been to do this? It wasn't torn thoughtlessly; the detailed tearing to make them irreparable looks like a ninja's work."
They also said, "Of course, tearing them is not right, but I feel good about this punishment for reservation tents," and added, "I hope this incident raises awareness for more considerate camping."
Among netizens, reactions included "It's refreshing," "They should just be collected and incinerated," "Maybe they tore them to cool off in the summer," and "Because it's free, many people reserve spots and leave."
Why do campers welcome the vandalism of these tents? Because these tents are so-called 'reservation tents.' 'Reservation tents' refer to tents set up for long periods at prime spots near restrooms and water facilities in recreational areas to prevent others from taking those spots. This has been a recurring problem at free camping sites and other popular outdoor camping spots.
However, despite the damage, the tent owners reportedly have not left the spots. According to the author, the torn parts were patched with tape and the tents are still occupying the places. Some tent owners even called the police.
Regarding this, a netizen commented, "Reservation tents are usually low-cost products, so people will buy cheap secondhand ones and the same thing will happen again," adding, "Since camping in unauthorized places is mostly illegal, it seems better to file complaints with local governments."
In fact, local governments respond by cracking down on camping sites and forcibly removing reservation tents through administrative enforcement.
Meanwhile, according to the Natural Parks Act, Forest Protection Act, and River Act, camping is prohibited in rivers, mountains, and other areas except in places authorized by local governments.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
