'Open Run' as Seoraksan Trails Reopen... Illegal Activities Detected Throughout the Park

22 Fines Issued for Side Trail Access and Bivouacking
"Taeguk Traverse" Section Also Monitored

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On the first weekend after the reopening of the high-altitude trails in Seoraksan National Park, which had been closed to prevent spring wildfires, a phenomenon known as the "open run"—where hikers rush in as soon as the gates open—occurred, and several illegal and disorderly acts were detected throughout the mountain.

The Seoraksan National Park Office of the Korea National Park Service announced on the 18th that it had conducted intensive crackdowns on illegal and disorderly activities across Seoraksan National Park on May 16 and 17 to prevent such incidents during the spring season.

Previously, in line with the end of the wildfire prevention period, the Seoraksan National Park Office fully reopened the high-altitude trails at 3:00 a.m. on May 16.

As a result, a rare scene unfolded as visitors rushed in, timing their arrival for the opening hours.

This enforcement operation was carried out to prevent illegal and disorderly activities that could increase following the spring reopening of the trails.

The Seoraksan National Park Office conducted intensive night patrols, cracking down on major violations such as accessing unmarked side trails, camping overnight (bivouacking), and illegal littering.

As a result of the enforcement, a total of 22 fines were imposed, and 14 "good visitor guide notices" were distributed to encourage voluntary compliance with park regulations.

The main violations included accessing unmarked side trails, overnight bivouacking, and illegal littering.

Notably, this crackdown also included the "Taeguk Traverse" section, which connects the main peaks and ridgelines of Seoraksan in a pattern resembling the Taeguk symbol, as well as unofficial trails along the Baekdu-daegan mountain range. This section, approximately 60 kilometers long, is rugged and contains some restricted areas, making it especially prone to safety accidents.

Last year, a visitor died after falling 10 meters off a cliff in this section.

Park Jongyoung, head of the Resource Conservation Division at the Seoraksan National Park Office, said, "Entering unmarked side trails in national parks damages wildlife habitats and increases the risk of wildfires and safety accidents. Please use only official trails and actively cooperate in establishing a proper hiking culture."

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