"Out for Autumn Foliage, but..." 56 Mountain Accident Dispatches in Jeonnam in September

Risks of Mountain Accidents Rise During Foliage Season
October Sees the Most Dispatches Over the Past Three Years

With the peak autumn foliage season approaching, there has been an increase in mountain accident dispatches in the Jeonnam region. The Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Fire Department (hereinafter referred to as the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters) has urged hikers to consider their physical fitness when hiking and to descend before sunset.

According to the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters on October 4, the number of mountain accident dispatches last month was 56, which is an increase of 21 cases, or 60%, compared to the same month last year (35 cases). Although the total number of dispatches from January to September this year was 351, which is 8 fewer than the same period last year (359 cases), there was a notable surge in dispatches in September alone.

Last month, the number of fire department dispatches related to mountain accidents in the Jeonnam region analyzed a sharp increase compared to the previous year. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Special City

The number of annual mountain accident dispatches showed a downward trend, with 713 cases in 2023, 594 cases in 2024, and 451 cases in 2025. Therefore, the surge in mountain accident dispatches in September stands out even more.

Fire authorities believe that the increase in autumn hikers after the late summer heat subsided contributed to the rise in dispatches last month. They especially emphasized that extra caution is required in October, during the peak foliage season. Over the past three years, there were a total of 192 mountain accident dispatches in October, more than in any other month.

The Jeonnam Regional Headquarters recommended that hikers check the weather and their health condition before hiking. It also advised preparing warm gear for the large daily temperature swings. The department urged people to plan their hikes according to the sunset time and to avoid overexerting themselves beyond their physical limits.

Choi Mincheol, Director of the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Fire Department, said, "Since the number of mountain accidents in September this year has increased significantly compared to the same month last year, it is especially important to be cautious when hiking in autumn. Be mindful of cardiovascular diseases that can result from large temperature differences, descend before sunset, and avoid excessive exertion by considering your own physical condition."

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