"Women Should Not Climb Mountains Alone"…Middle-Aged Woman Stops Female YouTuber from Solo Hiking

Female YouTuber Hiking Alone on Chuncheon Samaksan
Scolded by Middle-Aged Woman During Hike
"Solo Hiking Is Not Courage but a Dangerous Act"

A video of a middle-aged woman warning a female YouTuber hiking alone with the words "Women should not come to the mountains alone" is gaining attention.

A YouTuber who climbed Samaksan Mountain alone in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon, is being scolded by a middle-aged woman.
[Photo by YouTube channel 'San Sok-e Baekmansonghui']

Last month, YouTuber 'San Soge Baekmansonghui' uploaded a video titled "This is the most amazing mountain I've ever seen! Korea's Grand Canyon accessible by public transportation, hiking alone." The video was filmed at Samaksan Mountain in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, showing the female YouTuber Baekmansonghui hiking alone.

Looking closely at the video, Baekmansonghui says, "There really is no one (in the mountain) today. It's been a while since I've had this experience, so it's a bit scary," as she sets off on the solo hike. A woman, Ms. A, whom she meets during the hike, scolds Baekmansonghui for hiking alone. Ms. A explains, "(Some) ajumma said her friend was supposed to go with her but canceled, so she ended up going alone," and adds, "A man sexually assaulted and killed someone right there. That happened about five years ago," revealing an incident involving someone close to her. She continues, "Women should not hike alone. Don’t they always campaign to go at least in pairs?" and emphasizes, "I am 63 years old, and I never come alone. Hiking alone is not about courage but a dangerous act. Don’t come alone to rural mountains."

Baekmansonghui said, "I was severely scolded," and added, "I came alone because I needed a day to organize my thoughts, but after being scolded, it really hit home, so I will try my best not to come alone." She also said, "I wasn’t scared, but hearing that made me feel even more scared."

A YouTuber who climbed Samaksan Mountain alone in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon, is being scolded by a middle-aged woman.
[Photo by YouTube channel 'San Soge Baekmansonghui']

The video became a hot topic on various online communities and social networking services (SNS) on the 27th. Netizens who saw the video commented, "It’s dangerous for women to hike alone on mountains other than national parks on weekdays," "Besides injuries or wild animals, mentally unstable people may hide and target solo hikers," "It’s fortunate that a kind person gave a warning," "Although the ajumma’s words seem like unnecessary interference, upon reflection, they are correct," and "Not only is there a risk of safety accidents in the mountains, but meeting strangers is unsafe for men as well because you don’t know who they are."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has been implementing a 'Trail Crime Prevention Patrol Enhancement Plan' since March. This measure was taken to prevent crimes similar to the so-called Sillim-dong hiking trail murder case. The Sillim-dong hiking trail murder case occurred on the morning of August 17 last year on the Mokgolsan hiking trail in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, where Choi Yoonjong (31) brutally assaulted victim B with a steel knuckle-dusted fist, strangled and killed her, and then attempted sexual assault. The first trial court sentenced Choi Yoonjong to life imprisonment, and the second trial is currently underway. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated, "Trails are sparsely populated, and it may be difficult to call for help in case of a serious incident," and added, "We will continue to carry out preventive activities so that citizens using the trails can always enjoy their leisure time safely."