Jeju Authorities Reinforce Enforcement Measures to Protect Volcanic Cone from Damage

Hiking trail at Jeju Volcanic Cone. (Wikimedia Commons/YOSEPH SETIAWAN)

JAKARTA - The iconic volcanic cone, or oreum, on Jeju Island, South Korea, is increasingly suffering from damage due to illegal camping by visitors, where they spend the night and cook in the area.

Regarding this, the Jeju Provincial Government said it would strengthen enforcement and impose fines of up to 1 million won or around Rp11,281,800.

According to the Jeju Provincial Government, a resident identified as Hong recently uploaded a photo to the island's online petition board, which showed tourists camping on the peak of Nokkome Oreum.

Hong wrote that many visitors spend the night without tents using rocks or trees as shelter, adding that some people "drink all night and roast meat on the summit," quoted from The Korea Times (13/12).

Hong also expressed concern about the risk of forest fires and the lack of basic sanitation.

Nokkome Oreum in Aewol-eup is one of the most famous volcanic cones in western Jeju, which has attracted many night visitors in recent years thanks to its popular view.

Camping, cooking, or staying overnight in unauthorized areas is illegal under the Natural Environment Conservation Law and the Forest Protection Law.

Hong said the surrounding area was also damaged. Around Jagangnokkome Oreum, hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horseback riders are suspected of having damaged the fir forest and the trail.

Hong asked that the area be clearly marked with signs restricting access to pedestrians only.

Other residents have voiced similar complaints. One person who frequently hikes Nokkome wrote that illegal camping "has been going on for years," noting people play loud classical music and even practice vocals on the peak.

The resident said the complaint filed on October 25 did not receive a response. Another commenter noted that some people openly uploaded photos of where they camped on social media, showing they "may not even realize it's illegal," and asked authorities to track down the accounts and issue fines.

The Jeju government said it would step up enforcement. A government official said camping and cooking at Nokkome Oreum were strictly prohibited, with those who broke the law subject to fines of up to 1 million won.