Foreign Tourists Spark Controversy for Smoking in Bukhansan National Park
A group of four foreign tourists was recently filmed smoking in Bukhansan National Park, igniting a wave of criticism among local netizens. A citizen, identified as A, reported the incident on JTBC's '사건반장' on April 1, stating that he and his girlfriend encountered the group at Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan, the day before. The footage shows the tourists sitting on a rock, casually smoking and flicking ashes onto the ground. A noted that other hikers warned them about the fire risk, but the tourists continued to smoke, laughing and responding with 'Okay, okay' while discarding their cigarette butts on the mountain.
According to Article 34 of the Forest Protection Act, smoking and other fire-related activities are prohibited in forested areas and their adjacent regions. This law aims to prevent forest fires and protect the environment, with stricter regulations in national parks like Bukhansan. Violators can face fines and legal repercussions.
The video of the tourists smoking has drawn significant backlash, especially as it surfaced just three days after a devastating forest fire in North Gyeongsang Province. Online reactions included comments like, 'How disrespectful do they think Korea is?' and 'They should be punished severely.' Many expressed concern that such actions could be seen as provocative given the recent wildfire crisis.
In response to the incident, the government announced a crackdown on illegal activities in forests, including smoking and carrying flammable materials, until May 31. Under the Forest Protection Act, those who start a fire in the mountains can face up to 15 years in prison, while negligent actions leading to forest fires can result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.
