60-year-old rescued by helicopter and now probed for violating South Korea’s cultural heritage law.
A 60-year-old Singaporean hiker was airlifted to safety from Jeju’s Sanbangsan Mountain after allegedly wandering into a restricted zone and getting lost, and now faces possible penalties under South Korea’s cultural heritage laws.
Restricted Area And Distress Call
Local reports said the tourist, identified only as Mr A, allegedly entered a prohibited area of Sanbangsan Mountain on Jeju’s south‑west coast at about 7.48pm on May 18. The upper sections of Sanbangsan, including its summit, are off‑limits to protect vegetation and prevent rockfalls, with visitors generally restricted to the ticket office and Sanbanggulsa Cave Temple halfway up.
Helicopter Rescue Operation
After losing his way, the man placed a distress call, prompting firefighting authorities to mount a search. According to The Chosun Daily, rescuers located and winched him out by helicopter at around 10pm, about two hours after receiving the report; he was reported to be in good condition following the operation.
Possible Legal Consequences
The Jeju Self-Governing Police Agency said on May 19 it is investigating the Singaporean for suspected violation of the Cultural Heritage Conservation and Utilisation Act. Unauthorised entry into the restricted zone can carry a penalty of up to two years’ jail or a fine of up to 20 million won (approx. S$17,000).
Mountain’s Appeal And Safety Limits
Sanbangsan is popular for its springtime mustard flower fields and scenic views, but authorities strictly regulate access higher up the slope to balance tourism with safety and conservation, highlighting the importance for foreign visitors to heed posted signs, barriers and local guidance when hiking.
Lessons For Travellers On Safety And Law
The incident highlights how quickly a hike can turn into a rescue and legal problem when local rules are not followed, even inadvertently. Travellers from Indonesia, Singapore and elsewhere are reminded to respect trail closures and restricted zones, check local regulations before venturing off marked paths, and recognise that breaching conservation or safety laws can carry serious penalties abroad.
The Sanbangsan incident shows how quickly a scenic hike abroad can turn into a rescue and legal case when access rules are ignored, even unintentionally. For Indonesians and Singaporeans travelling in the region, it is a reminder to treat mountain and heritage restrictions as non‑negotiable, both for personal safety and to avoid breaching local conservation laws.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Mothership (2026)
Keywords: Sanbangsan Restricted Area, Helicopter Rescue, Jeju Self Governing Police, Cultural Heritage Conservation And Utilisation Act, South Korea Fines
