South Korea mountain accidents peak during autumn hiking season

South Korea's National Fire Agency reported that between 2023 and 2025, a total of 30,583 mountain rescue operations were conducted nationwide. While the total number of incidents has shown a decreasing trend—from 11,215 in 2023 to 9,092 in 2025—accidents remain highly seasonal, with October accounting for the highest concentration at 12.4% of annual cases.

Slips and falls are the most frequent cause of accidents, representing 32.1% (9,806 cases) of all rescues. This is followed by getting lost or requiring searches (29.3%) and personal medical issues such as cramps or hypothermia (10.3%). In Gyeonggi Province alone, mountain rescue activities averaged more than nine incidents per day in 2025.

Authorities advise hikers to stay on designated trails, avoid hiking while intoxicated, and descend before sunset. To ensure rapid response during emergencies, the agency recommends using national location number plates or mountain position signs to provide accurate coordinates to emergency services via 119.