S’porean tourist, 60, rescued by helicopter after allegedly entering & getting lost in restricted area in Jeju, South Korea

A 60-year-old Singaporean tourist was rescued after allegedly entering and getting lost in a restricted area of Sanbangsan Mountain in Jeju, South Korea.

According to local police, the Singaporean, identified as A, allegedly entered the restricted zone of Sanbangsan Mountain in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo City, at about 7:48 pm on May 18, The Chosun Daily reported

Lost

The tourist apparently lost his way while climbing the mountain and reported his distress.

Firefighting authorities launched a search operation and rescued him by helicopter at about 10pm, approximately two hours after receiving the report.

He was reported to be in good condition.

Local police are investigating the 60-year-old on suspicion of violating the Cultural Heritage Conservation and Utilisation Act.

Designated cultural heritage scenic site

Sanbangsan is designated as National Designated Cultural Heritage Scenic Site No. 77.

It is a high-risk area for rockfalls and falls.

As a precautionary measure, the area has been designated a restricted zone until Dec. 31, 2031.

Visitors can only view the site from the ticket office to Sanbangulsa Temple halfway up the mountain.

Other areas remain strictly off-limits.

Not the first time

While parts of the mountain have been restricted since 2012, hikers have repeatedly entered the premises illegally.

Two women, who were in their 50s and 60s, were rescued by a fire helicopter after getting lost near a cliff following unauthorised entry into the restricted area in September 2023.

In 2025, nine people were caught entering illegally after following a route marked on a hiking app.

Under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, unauthorised entry into the restricted zone can result in a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won (S$16,973).