Hallasan Faces Environmental Concerns from Ramen Waste
South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan, is facing an unexpected environmental threat: instant noodles. The mountain's management agency has launched a campaign urging hikers to refrain from dumping ramen broth on the mountain or in streams to protect its “clean environment.â€
The 1,947-meter peak, known as the "roof of Korea," is located on the popular tourist island of Jeju. It attracts a large number of hikers, many of whom carry instant noodles for sustenance during their treks.
Ramen Broth's Environmental Impact
Instant noodles are a staple for Korean hikers. However, the management agency cites the high salt content in ramen broth as a threat to aquatic life and soil contamination.
While resting areas on the mountain prohibit food sales and cooking, hikers still carry hot water flasks to prepare their own noodles. Due to the high volume of hikers, existing trash bins can only accommodate solid waste, leaving leftover ramen broth to be dumped onto the ground or into toilets.
Social Media Support for "No Ramen Broth" Campaign
The "anti-ramen broth" campaign on Hallasan has garnered support on social media. Many users have called for a complete ban on bringing food onto the mountain, similar to policies implemented in other mountain ranges.
Jeju Police Enforce New Measures for Tourists
Jeju police conducted a large-scale inspection on June 25th following numerous complaints from residents regarding tourist behavior on the island. Officials reported that 9 foreign tourists were fined on the first day of the new enforcement measures.
Hallasan's Importance as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hallasan is part of the UNESCO-recognized Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes World Heritage Site. According to South Korean government statistics, the site attracted 923,680 visitors last year.
Global Popularity of Ramen Hiking
Meanwhile, the trend of eating instant noodles while hiking is gaining popularity outside of South Korea. The famous Korean ramyun brand is even sold on the summit of Switzerland's Matterhorn.
Summary:
South Korea's Hallasan mountain is facing environmental concerns due to the disposal of instant noodle broth by hikers. The management agency has launched a campaign encouraging hikers to refrain from dumping the broth to protect the mountain's environment. The campaign has garnered social media support, with many users calling for a complete ban on food on the mountain. Jeju police have also implemented new measures to enforce regulations for tourists, with fines being issued for violations. The increasing popularity of "ramen hiking" presents a growing environmental challenge for other mountain ranges globally.