Family Caught Camping Below Jeju Cliff in 'No Entry' Zone

Playing in restricted areas of 'Saengigijeong'
Fines up to 1 million won if caught

People camping at Saengigijeong. Photo by Jeju Coast Guard Station

A family camping in an area designated as a restricted zone due to the absence of safety management facilities and the difficulty of rescue operations caused by the terrain was caught by the Coast Guard.

According to Yonhap News on the 30th, the Jeju Coast Guard announced that it apprehended four people, including Mr. A and his spouse and their two minor children, on charges of violating the Coastal Accident Prevention Act.

They are accused of camping at 'Saengigijeong' in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, at around 6:25 p.m. on the 24th. The Coast Guard caught Mr. A's family after receiving related complaints.

The next day, the Coast Guard discovered a rope installed on the support post of the restricted zone signboard at Saengigijeong. They removed it, suspecting that visitors might use the rope to climb the cliff and access Saengigijeong.

Located in the latter part of Olle Course 12, Saengigijeong is a lava-formed rocky cliff that has gained popularity as a water play spot through social media (SNS) in recent years. However, due to the lack of safety personnel or safety management facilities and the terrain's characteristics making rescue difficult in case of accidents, it was designated as a restricted area for certain land and sea zones starting February 1 of last year.

Despite being designated as a restricted zone, nine people last year and seven this year were caught playing in the water at Saengigijeong.

A Coast Guard official said, "Please enjoy water activities at beaches staffed with safety personnel," and added, "If caught playing in the restricted area, a fine of up to 1 million won may be imposed."

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