Frequent Falls While Taking 'Life Photos' at Coastal Cliffs
Previously Accident-Prone 'Blue Hole' and Saengigijeong Under Controlled Operation
As accidents involving falls while taking so-called 'life shots' on coastal cliffs in Jeju continue to occur, authorities have begun restricting access to several popular photo spots.
Jeju Coast Guard is rescuing a man in his 50s who fell and sustained serious injuries while taking photos at Jeju Oedolgae. [Photo by Seogwipo Coast Guard Station]
According to the Seogwipo Coast Guard on the 4th, on the morning of the 25th of last month at around 9:50 AM, a tourist in their 50s, Mr. A, fell about 8 meters down to the rocky shore while taking photos near the cliff by Oedolgae in Seohong-dong.
When the Coast Guard arrived, Mr. A was suspected to have multiple fractures along with a head injury.
The location where Mr. A fell is known as the 'Hill of Storms,' a place where one can take in a panoramic view of Beomseom, Munseom, and Oedolgae, making it a popular 'photo spot.' However, especially in winter, strong gusts of wind along the coast make it a place where losing balance can easily lead to a fall.
Most of the newly designated restricted access areas in Jeju are dangerous zones that have become known as 'life photo spots.'
In particular, since October 30th, the Seogwipo Coast Guard has designated the coastal area of Hawon-dong in Seogwipo City, known as the so-called 'Blue Hole,' as a restricted access zone.
The 'Blue Hole' is a 3 to 4-meter-deep pool located below a cliff that must be descended by climbing over rocks. Its blue hue gives off an exotic atmosphere rarely seen in Korea, which has made it popular by word of mouth. However, one must rely on a single rope to climb down a cliff tens of meters high, it is directly adjacent to the sea, and there are underwater reefs scattered around, making it a place with a high risk of casualties.
The so-called 'Blue Hole' located in Hawon-dong, Seogwipo City, Jeju. [Photo by Seogwipo Coast Guard]
Earlier, in February, the Jeju Coast Guard also designated Dangsanbong Saengigijeong in Jeju as a restricted access zone for the same reasons. This location also features jagged cliffs, requiring climbing steep cliffs to reach the coastline, and lacks safety personnel or safety management facilities, making it a high-risk area for accidents.
However, last summer alone, nine tourists were caught by the Coast Guard for entering the Saengigijeong restricted zone to take photos or play in the water.
In February of last year, as the number of tourists taking photos on a road submerged during high tide increased, the access road to the wind turbines near Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, was completely restricted. According to the Coastal Accident Prevention Act, entering a restricted access zone can result in a fine of up to 1 million won.
The Jeju Coast Guard urged people to refrain from entering dangerous areas such as cliffs and to be cautious of safety accidents.
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