A 60-year-old Singaporean tourist was rescued by helicopter after allegedly entering a restricted section of Sanbangsan Mountain in Jeju, South Korea, and getting lost during the climb.
According to local authorities, the man reportedly entered the off-limits zone at around 7:48pm on May 18 in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo City. The area is currently closed to the public due to safety concerns, including risks of falling rocks and dangerous cliffs.
The tourist later contacted emergency services after apparently losing his way while hiking in the restricted section of the mountain.
Firefighters and rescue personnel launched a search-and-rescue operation shortly after receiving the distress report. A rescue helicopter was eventually deployed, and the Singaporean man was safely brought out at around 10pm, roughly two hours after the operation began.
Thankfully, he was reported to be in stable condition and did not suffer serious injuries during the ordeal.
Restricted Since 2012 Due To Safety Risks
Sanbangsan Mountain is a well-known volcanic landmark in Jeju Island and has been designated as National Designated Cultural Heritage Scenic Site No. 77.
Due to repeated incidents involving hikers, parts of the mountain have remained restricted since 2012. Authorities warned that the area is highly dangerous because of unstable terrain, potential rockfalls, and steep drop-offs.
Currently, visitors are only allowed to access the designated tourist route leading from the ticket office to Sanbangulsa Temple, located midway up the mountain. All other sections remain strictly prohibited until at least Dec. 31, 2031.
South Korean police are now investigating the Singaporean tourist for allegedly violating the country’s Cultural Heritage Conservation and Utilisation Act.
Under the law, unauthorised entry into restricted cultural heritage zones can result in penalties including imprisonment of up to two years or fines reaching 20 million won, which is approximately S$16,973.
Similar Cases Happened Before
This is not the first time hikers have illegally entered the restricted sections of Sanbangsan Mountain.
In September 2023, two women in their 50s and 60s reportedly had to be rescued by helicopter after becoming stranded near a cliff following unauthorised entry into the area.
Another incident took place in 2025, when nine individuals were reportedly caught entering the restricted zone after following a route uploaded onto a hiking application.
The latest case has once again sparked discussions online about tourists ignoring warning signs and restricted access notices while travelling overseas.