Despite "'Don't Go, You Might Not Make It Back Alive' Warning," Hiker Climbs Famous Jeju Peak and Faces a Hefty Fine

Hiker climbs Sanbangsan despite access restrictions
Fine reduced from 5 million won to 2 million won
"Appears to have had no intention of causing damage"

A hiker who climbed without permission to the summit of Sanbangsan Mountain in Seogwipo, Jeju, a National Heritage site and restricted-access area, had his fine reduced on appeal. The court overturned the first-trial ruling, which had imposed a fine of 5 million won, and instead fined him 2 million won, taking into account that he had no intention of damaging the heritage site and had shown remorse.

Sanbangsan, Seogwipo, Jeju. Getty Images

According to legal sources on November 13, the Jeju District Court’s Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Park Jeong-gil, recently overturned the original ruling that had fined A 5 million won and instead imposed a fine of 2 million won in the appeal of a case in which A was indicted for violating the Cultural Heritage Protection Act.

A was tried on charges of entering a restricted-access area without authorization after climbing to the summit of Sanbangsan Mountain, located in Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, at around 5:36 a.m. on June 11, 2023, without permission from the head of the Korea Heritage Service.

The court ruled, "The defendant's conduct was serious because he entered the summit of Sanbangsan Mountain, which is designated as a restricted-access area." However, it added, "He has admitted to the offense and shown remorse, and it appears he had no intention of damaging the heritage site." The court said it reduced the sentence because, considering all the circumstances relevant to sentencing, including the fact that he had no other criminal record resulting in a punishment beyond a fine, the original sentence was too severe and therefore unfair.

Restricted-access area through 2031... High risk of falling rocks and falls

Sanbangsan is a dome-shaped volcanic mountain with an elevation of 395 meters, located in Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju. Along with Hallasan and Seongsan Ilchulbong, it is considered one of Jeju's iconic natural landmarks. In recognition of its natural and cultural value, it was designated National Heritage Scenic Site No. 77.

An image generated using artificial intelligence (AI) to help readers understand the article. Gemini

Some areas of Sanbangsan are managed as restricted-access areas to prevent damage to natural heritage and avoid accidents. The restrictions apply from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2031. General visitors may use only the designated visitor route from the ticket booth to Sanbanggulsa, a cave temple halfway up the mountain. Permission from the relevant authorities is required to enter any other areas.

The summit of Sanbangsan is known for its steep slopes and high risk of falling rocks and falls. Unauthorized climbing is highly dangerous not only because it could damage natural heritage but also because it could lead to hikers getting lost or falling.

Despite notices restricting access, unauthorized climbs and search-and-rescue incidents continue at Sanbangsan. In 2023, hikers who lost their way in a restricted area were stranded overnight before being rescued, and a group of nine people who entered the mountain by following an illegal route on a hiking app were caught in a sweep. In May this year, a Singaporean tourist in their 60s, identified as B, reached the summit but became stranded between cliffs while descending and was dramatically rescued by a fire department helicopter.

Unauthorized entry carries up to two years in prison or a fine of 20 million won

Under the current Act on Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage and the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, anyone wishing to enter a restricted-access area must obtain prior permission from the head of the Korea Heritage Service. Unauthorized entry in violation of this requirement is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.

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