Daegu City announced that starting from the 1st of next month, it will prohibit entry to Palgong Mountain and other areas under an administrative order. This administrative order, which contains this content, was issued based on the Disaster and Safety Act and the Forest Protection Act. This order will remain in effect until Daegu City lifts it.
According to Daegu City on the 31st, the areas subject to the administrative order include major mountain zones with many visitors such as Palgong Mountain, Ap San, and Biseul Mountain, areas highly at risk of major fires such as Amisan, Choryeosan, Majeongsan, and DAEDUCK, and past fire sites like Hamjisan and Gubongsan. However, some sections of hiking trails designated by the district mayor or county governor are excluded.
Access to the areas subject to the administrative order is completely prohibited. Additionally, in other forest areas, activities such as lighting fires, smoking cigarettes, and burning trash will be restricted. Violating the administrative order may result in criminal punishment or fines.
Palgong Mountain National Park will control entry to 17 out of 21 hiking trail sections from today, as managed by the Korea National Park Service, allowing access to only 4 sections.
Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo noted, "The administrative order is an unavoidable decision due to the severe fire risk in this area, more than any other region," adding, "I hope for the active cooperation of the citizens."
In addition, Daegu City plans to expand and reorganize the existing 'Forest Disaster Response Team,' which has been operational to respond to forest disasters, under the direct supervision of the Disaster and Safety Office, creating a 'Disaster and Safety Response Team.' They plan to recruit about 20 elite personnel with disaster field expertise from military and police backgrounds, including the Navy Special Warfare Group (UDT) and the Special Forces. These personnel will respond quickly to all disasters, not just forest disasters, and handle initial responses.