"Caught Sneaking Water from Baengnokdam at Dawn"... Jeju Deploys Thermal Imaging AI Drones on Hallasan

Monitoring Unauthorized Entry and Illegal Activities in the Dark

Concurrent Response to Emergency Cases During Descent

To crack down on illegal activities that frequently occur during the early morning hours on Hallasan, Jeju Province will deploy AI thermal imaging drones.

Around 4 a.m., illegal hikers on Hallasan Mountain descended to Baengnokdam, a non-trail area, to fetch and drink water. Provided by Jeju Provincial Council

On the 19th, Jeju Provincial Government announced that its dedicated drone department, the Space Mobility Division, and the Hallasan National Park Office will collaborate to conduct a special crackdown around Hallasan. The measure aims to monitor non-designated trails, which are difficult to patrol from the ground, and to manage safety during time periods when accidents are frequent.

This initiative is being conducted as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s “2026 Drone Demonstration City Public Service Model Project.” The provincial government carried out a pilot crackdown in the Eorimok area from the night of the 13th through the early morning of the 14th.

In consideration of nighttime conditions, the drones are equipped with high-resolution thermal imaging cameras. This technology enables the precise detection of heat signatures from unauthorized hikers in the dark. The government stated, “We have confirmed the effectiveness of drones in covering large areas at once.”

The main targets for this enforcement are unauthorized entry outside designated trail hours, illegal camping, littering, collection of rare plants, shamanistic rituals, and the consumption of alcohol or cooking within the park.

Drones are also expected to be used in managing visitor safety. The province plans to operate its AI drone safety management service mainly on Hallasan’s four major hiking trails (Eorimok, Yeongsil, Gwaneumsa, and Seongpanak).

Last year, there were a total of 522 emergency medical cases on the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails, with 483 of them concentrated during the descent hours between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Accordingly, starting from the trail management centers, the province plans to intensively operate AI drones so that when dangerous situations or accidents occur, swift on-site verification and response are possible.

Hikers entering a no-entry zone off the trail. Provided by Jeju Provincial Council.

The number of cases detected for unauthorized entry into non-designated trails on Hallasan increased by 77%, from 30 cases in 2023 to 53 cases last year.

According to photos released by the Jeju Provincial Council, a recent image captured a hiker around 2 a.m. fetching and drinking water at Baengnokdam, a restricted non-designated area.

Prohibited behaviors such as camping, cooking, and smoking also continue to occur. In instances where individuals descend cliffs by attaching ropes, it can result in rock collapses, leading to casualties and damage to natural resources.

Earlier, at the 452nd Extraordinary Session of the Jeju Provincial Council’s Culture, Tourism and Sports Committee in July, calls were made for comprehensive measures and strengthened enforcement against illegal hiking.

The council stated, “Under the Natural Parks Act, a fine of 200,000 won is currently imposed.” They added, “We will review various laws to ensure the strongest possible penalties are enforced, and, if necessary, will consider filing criminal complaints.”

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