It’s the best time of the year to head up Hallasan Mountain and view the autumn leaves, and an estimated 6,000 people are doing it daily. Authorities say, though, the risk of climbing accidents and injuries is also increasing, and that it is important for hikers to be cautious. Joseph Kim has more.
Surrounded by untouched rocks, these picturesque yellow and red leaves lie harmoniously under the blue sky. Hikers’ exclamations of delight at the spectacular view can be frequently heard.

[INTERVIEW]
Jung Tae-yeon / Seoul
It is amazing - the air is so nice. It’s been a while to visit my hometown, Jeju, since I left, but i finally made it to Hallasan Mountain before I got too old.
"아주 좋은데요. 공기도 좋고. 제가 제주도가 고향인데 떠나고 한번을 못왔어요. 더 나이 먹기 전에 한라산 와봤어요."

With the spectacular autumn foliage in full effect, around 6000 people are visiting Hallasan mountain everyday. However, a number of safety-related incidents have occurred.

In 2014, 4 people died from difficulties breathing, and over 700 people reported injuries ranging from sprained joints, to exhaustion and bone fractures.

[camera]
Park Byeong-joon

On Oct the 14th, a woman in her 40s was transported to a hospital by a helicopter from the maritime police due to paralysis of her leg.

In order to prevent these accidents, it is important to check one’s physical condition.
It is also recommended to do warm-ups, stretch and take a break from time to time.

[INTERVIEW]
Byun Jung-hee / Seogwipo Fire Station Hyodon 119 Center
You should keep safety and your health in mind by doing some warm-up stretching and evaluating your physical condition. Also, when unusual incidents or hiking accidents happen, please check the location number on the walking trail and contact 119.
"산행 전 스트레칭 및 자신의 건강상태 체크 등 안전관리에 각별히 주의해 주시고 산행 중 이상징후나 안전사고 발생시 등산로 중간중간
-----수퍼체인지-----
설치돼 있는 위치번호를 확인하고 119로 신고해 주시기 바랍니다."

[reporter]
Joseph Kim

As the breathtaking autumn foliage is in full effect on Hallasan mountain, your excursion or hiking trip will be more enjoyable by following safety regulations and taking appropriate precautions.

Joseph Kim KCTV