The cafe building located at the entrance of (성판악) Seongpanak Trail has closed after 43 years of operation since 1978.
According to the National Forest Management Act revised in 2009, leasing on national forest property is prohibited. Additional parking lots will be built on the site. Joseph Kim reports.

Report


This is the head of the (성판악) Seongpanak Trail on Hallasan Mountain.
The building that had been used as a cafe for trekkers is being torn down by heavy duty vehicles.
Materials in the building are being cleared away, and structures are being destroyed.
The cafe has closed after 43 years of operation, since 1978.


The cafe which sits on national forest property had been operated on a lease between the cafe owner and Jeju City.
But the 2009 revision of the National Forest Management Act outlaws leases on national forest areas.



The removal of the building was planned in 2012, but the cafe owner filed a lawsuit against Jeju City.
The legal battle had delayed the removal for 10 years.


Following the lengthy litigation, the Supreme Court concluded that the lessee should return the rented property to the nation.


Jeju City is planning to build parking lots on the site once the building is completely cleared and the ownership rights are transferred to the nation.


The city advises trekkers using the (성판악) Seongpanak Trail to bring their own water, food and hiking gear for the time being.

Joseph Kim, KCTV