A rockfall accident occurred at Seongsan Ilchulbong, a signature tourist attraction of Jeju and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. There were no casualties, but authorities began an investigation in preparation for the possibility of additional falling rocks.
According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, at 8:43 p.m. on the 15th a passerby's report that "a collapsing sound is heard" was received from Seongsan Ilchulbong in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo.
As a result of on-site verification by a response team composed of firefighters and police, two rocks measuring 70–80 cm in diameter and three trees were found to have rolled down in a restricted-access area near Jinji Cave, about 1 km west of the Seongsan Ilchulbong trail. The fall point was about 3 meters below the summit, and, fortunately, it was an area inaccessible to tourists.
Authorities confirmed there were no casualties from the rockfall and restricted the area to prevent public access. Seogwipo City and the World Natural Heritage Headquarters are investigating the exact cause of the collapse and the risk of additional falling rocks.
The Seongsan Ilchulbong ticket office said, "The accident site is in a restricted area in the direction opposite the general trail, so there is no problem with visitor safety," adding that it is admitting visitors as usual.
Seongsan Ilchulbong is a tuff cone 179 meters above sea level, formed by an underwater volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007. It is famous for sunrise viewing and is regarded as the No. 1 of the "Yeongju ten scenic views," drawing many tourists every year.