Over the past three years, October, the foliage season, was tallied as the month with the most hiking accidents. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 10th said, "Please take particular care to prevent safety accidents such as slips and distress."

Looking at hiking accident statistics for 2021–2023, 3,445 cases (13.3%) out of a total of 25,948 occurred in October. It is the month with the most accidents of the year. That is more than 1,000 above the monthly average of 2,162.

Autumn foliage begins in the high elevations of Seoraksan, with green forests seen from Jungcheong Shelter and Socheong Peak on the 30th of last month gradually turning colorful; peak foliage, when 50% of the forest is colored, is expected around the end of this month. /Courtesy of Seoraksan National Park Office

By cause, slips (32%) were the most common. They were followed by ▲ distress (26%) ▲ physical illness such as chronic disease (18%).

The ministry advised hikers to check the itinerary in advance, including hiking time, shelter locations, and weather, and to choose a trail that matches their fitness level. If you feel strain on your body, descend immediately, and never enter restricted or prohibited areas where access is controlled.

If you get lost, retrace your steps to a point you recognize, and when requesting rescue, use mountain location markers and national point numbers installed along the trails to report your location. In addition, because the sun sets early in the mountains and the risk of distress is high, start your hike early in the morning and finish 1–2 hours before sunset.

An official at the ministry said, "In October's foliage season, many people who do not usually visit the mountains go to enjoy the leaves, so extra caution is needed," adding, "Even when visiting a nearby mountain, inform others of your destination and review safety rules so you can fully enjoy a safe autumn foliage season."

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