Swedish National Mr. A Quickly Reported to Korean 119, Rescue Completed
A man who checked his girlfriend's social networking service (SNS) after she climbed Seoraksan Mountain contacted rescue teams in Sweden, leading to the woman's rescue.
According to Seoraksan National Park and the East Sea Special Response Team on the 12th, a report was received around 6:56 p.m. the previous day from Mr. A, who resides in Sweden, stating that "his girlfriend Ms. B got lost while hiking Seoraksan."
Ms. B, who came to Korea for a visit, reportedly got lost as it grew dark while descending the mountain after hiking alone. Ms. B did not know the emergency number 119 for rescue requests, so she sent a rescue request to Mr. A via social media (SNS) messenger instead.
Upon receiving his girlfriend's message, Mr. A immediately informed Korea's 119 emergency services of Ms. B's current location. Fire authorities, civilian rescue workers, and national park officials found Ms. B around 8:20 p.m. that day, provided emergency treatment, and safely escorted her down the mountain by 11:47 p.m.
Ms. B, who injured her ankle while wandering lost, reportedly received treatment at a hospital.
Meanwhile, as autumn hikers flock to enjoy the fall foliage, mountain accidents are also expected to increase. In fact, about one-third of mountain accidents in Gangwon Province over the past five years occurred in September and October. It is necessary to prepare emergency food and warming supplies and to avoid hiking under the influence of alcohol.
Experts especially urge hikers to use designated trails, as cases of getting lost after taking unofficial paths have recently continued. According to the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Fire Headquarters, a total of 12 mountain hiking accidents occurred in Seoraksan from the 27th of last month to 5 p.m. on the 29th.
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