Jeju Coast Guard Catches 4 Campers in Restricted Area of Saeigijeong

Published 30 Jul.2024 17:13(KST)

Four campers (2 adults, 2 minors) were caught by the Coast Guard in Jeju’s restricted access area ‘Saengigijeong’.

According to the Jeju Maritime Police Station on the 30th, ‘Saengigijeong’ is made up of sea cliffs unsuitable for water activities, posing risks in access and activities, making it a high-risk area for accidents.

Additionally, due to the curved coastline, accidents cannot be observed from land, and shallow waters prevent coastal rescue boats from approaching, making rescue difficult.

Four campers were caught by the Coast Guard in the restricted access area of Jeju 'Saengigijeong'. [Photo by Jeju Coast Guard]

In August 2022, a man in his 30s who was playing in the water suffered serious injuries and required urgent rescue, but it took considerable time due to the difficulty of rescue forces accessing the area.

The Jeju Coast Guard designated ‘Saengigijeong’ as a restricted access area on February 1, 2023, and after a three-month guidance period, imposes fines of up to 1 million KRW for violations.

After the guidance period ended, strict control began, with 9 people caught in 2 cases in 2023, and 7 people caught in 3 cases so far in 2024. Those entering were caught for various reasons such as camping, swimming, and fishing.

During an inspection of ‘Saengigijeong’ by a Jeju Coast Guard officer, a rope installed on the support post of the signboard indicating the restricted access area was found. Since entering Saengigijeong requires passing over rock walls, it is highly likely that this rope was used for access, so it was removed for safety.

A Jeju Coast Guard official said, “Despite the designation of the restricted access area, promotion, and guidance period warning of the dangers, violations continue to occur,” and added, “We are conducting intensive crackdowns on unauthorized entry daily, so please do not enter the restricted access area.”