Danger When Enchanted by Pure White Snowy Scenery? ... How to Handle Winter 'Mountain Accidents'

261 Mountain Rescue Cases in Gangwon Region in January Over the Past 3 Years
Winter Hiking Requires Special Caution Unlike Regular Hiking
Check Weather and Always Turn On Smartphone GPS Function During Climb

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Among the famous mountains in Gangwon-do last year, the most visited mountains by tourists were Seoraksan, Chiaksan, and Samaksan in that order.

These mountains are beautiful in the lush seasons, but they boast even more magnificent scenery in the snowy winter.

The snowy mountain landscape is a special seasonal product that mountains offer to humans only in winter.

Viewing the snow flowers more beautiful than blossoms is the highlight of winter hiking. The scenery viewed while hearing the sound of stepping on snow is literally breathtaking.

Seonjaryeong Peak View in Pyeongchang-gun
[Photo by Gangwon-do Tourism Foundation]

However, accidents from injuries while climbing the mountain, intoxicated by the snowy scenery, are frequent, so constant caution is necessary.

In the Gangwon region, which includes four national parks including Seoraksan, there are quite a few people injured or losing their lives due to mountain accidents every year.

According to the Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters, the total number of mountain rescue cases in Gangwon-do during January over the past three years was 261.

Among these, the occurrence rate was highest in the Taebaek and Seorak areas, which are famous for snowy scenery such as snow flower festivals.

In fact, the East Coast Special Response Team and Special Response Team had the highest number with 51 cases, followed by Taebaek Fire Station and Chuncheon Fire Station with 37 and 28 cases respectively.

By accident type, slips and falls were the most frequent with 71 cases (27.2%).

General distress accounted for 51 cases (19.5%), personal illness 21 cases (8.0%), and exhaustion and dehydration 15 cases (5.7%) in order.

Winter hiking requires special caution unlike general hiking.

The Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters has urged caution regarding safety accidents during winter mountain hiking in the cold.
[Photo by Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters]

If you plan to hike, try to start as early as possible and be sure to descend before sunset.

Do not forget to check the weather conditions in advance, predict hiking time, and select an appropriate course.

Windproof, thermal, and waterproof clothing are essential, and do not forget to prepare extra socks and gloves. Put frequently used clothing items in easily accessible places.

During hiking, regulate your stamina and be familiar with how to respond in case of an accident.

Jung Man-su, head of the Rescue and Emergency Department at Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters, advised, "It is most important to plan your hike according to your physical strength," and "You should check the weather conditions before hiking."

Memorize the installed mountain location marker number and quickly request rescue by calling 119, then stay put without leaving the accident site while maintaining body temperature.

To help the rescue team accurately locate the accident site, you must keep your smartphone GPS function turned on while climbing.

Installing rescue-related apps (119 Gangwon Report App) provided by local governments or fire authorities can secure golden time in emergencies and be of great help.

Jung Man-su, head of the Rescue and Emergency Department, emphasized, "It is very important for everyone enjoying winter hiking to follow safety rules," and urged, "In case of an accident, do not panic and promptly report to 119."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.