As the Number of Campers Increases,
"Inconsiderate Campers" Become More Prevalent
A controversy has arisen after a case of so-called "inconsiderate campers" was reported, where a tent was installed by drilling into the floor of a pavilion at a beach in Samcheok, Gangwon Province.
A tent installed at the pavilion 'Haemangjeong' near Hamangbang Beach in Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon. Online community
According to Samcheok City on August 19, at the end of June, a group of campers set up a tent right in the middle of the pavilion 'Haemangjeong', located near Hamangbang Beach in Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si.
This scene spread through social networking services (SNS), and in the released photo, screws can be seen driven into the pavilion floor to install the tent. The person who posted the photo commented, "If anyone from the city office sees this, I hope you find those responsible and ensure legal punishment."
Online users strongly criticized the behavior as inappropriate. Comments included, "How could someone drill into the pavilion floor?", "It's not even at the edge, but right in the center," and "Punishment is necessary."
According to the amended Enforcement Decree of the Beach Act in 2023, local authorities managing beach areas can order the removal of unauthorized installations and restoration to their original state.
Samcheok City received a report on this incident and responded to the complaint. The city reportedly recommended voluntary removal of the tent before Hamangbang Beach opened on July 9 and also carried out repairs on the entire pavilion.
As the Number of Campers Rises, So Do 'Inconsiderate Campers'
Camping demand has surged since COVID-19, as more people seek outdoor leisure activities. The number of camping users has increased every year, and according to the Korea Tourism Data Lab, the number of campsites rose from 2,935 in 2022 to 4,336 this year, marking a 48% increase over three years.
As the number of campers grows, related incidents and accidents are also increasing. In particular, "inconsiderate campers" who fail to observe basic etiquette are causing inconvenience to citizens. In July, a camper van owner in Daepo Port, Sokcho, Gangwon Province, was caught secretly using electricity from a public restroom, sparking controversy. That same month, a group of campers in Heungnam Beach, Geoje, Gyeongnam, was criticized after it was revealed they had drilled holes in the asphalt to install and secure their tent.
There have also been cases where public parking lots near major coastal areas were used as "car camping" spots during summer holidays, or where campers illegally dumped trash in public restrooms before leaving.
In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport implemented a revised Parking Lot Act in September last year to prevent problems such as lack of parking spaces, noise, and illegal dumping of trash. The amendment prohibits camping, cooking, or lighting fires in public parking lots. Anyone caught camping or cooking in parking lots installed by national or local governments, public institutions, local corporations, or local public enterprises faces fines of 300,000 won for the first offense, 400,000 won for the second, and 500,000 won for the third and subsequent offenses.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
