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Caution advised to hikers in 50s in early summer

Posted May. 23, 2016 07:37,   

Updated May. 23, 2016 07:46

한국어
With summer just around the corner, mountain hiking season has started in earnest. Hiking is known to be good for the circulatory system, the endocrine system, prevention of bone and muscle diseases, while boosting immunity and helps ease stress and benefiting mental health. Hikers must use extra caution in early summer season, however, because accidents also surge in number, with a flurry of hikers climbing mountains en masse.

According to monthly data on accidents that were reported to the Korea National Park Service from 2011 to 2015, accidents, which had averaged 56.7 cases from January to April, surged to hit 109 cases in May and 116 in June, before hitting the peak at 260 cases in October, the season for autumn colors.

According to a Dong-A Ilbo analysis of 1,430 accidents (deaths, exhaustion, and broken bones) that were reported to 21 national parks nationwide over the past five years, accidents occurred most frequently on Mts. Bukhan, Seorak, Halla and Jiri.

Accidents frequently occurred at Insubong, Sumeunbyeok, and Nojeokbong on Mount Bukhan; the Osaek – Daecheong-bong section, Hangyeryeong pass, Heullimgol and Bongjeongam areas on Mount Seorak; Seongpanak Tambang-ro (Expedition path) section on Mount Halla; and Seoseokpyeongjeon and Jangteomok on Mount Jiri.

The most common cause of deaths that occurred during the period was sudden death, which accounted for 76 cases, or 57.1 percent of the 133 deaths. While the frequency of deaths from a fall has gradually declined, that of sudden deaths has not decreased. In many cases, people with symptoms of high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and diabetes went hiking light-mindedly, and died suddenly without expecting tragedy at all, it has been found. With people with high cholesterol increasing in number due to "Western" diet, the risk of sudden deaths during hiking is shown to be increasing further.



이원홍기자 bluesky@donga.com