Korea's parks agency issues autumn hiking safety rules as foliage season nears

The environment ministry's National Park Service on Friday issued autumn hiking guidelines ahead of the foliage season, warning that trails become slippery with fallen leaves just as visitor numbers swell.

The agency, headed by Joo Dae-young, said autumn colors generally begin spreading from mountain peaks in mid-October and reach their peak from late October through early November before moving south. Because timing varies with altitude and terrain even within the same park, it advised hikers to check foliage conditions and trail information before setting out.

Hikers should choose a route suited to their fitness and check its distance, slope, expected duration and surface conditions in advance. National park trails are graded into five levels of difficulty. The agency also recommended checking the weather, preparing hiking boots, extra clothing, water and snacks, and stretching before starting, as autumn temperatures swing widely and altitude changes are sharp. Visitors with high blood pressure or heart conditions were told to use rest areas frequently, and all hikers to plan enough time to descend before sunset.

On the trails, walkers should shorten their stride and move slowly on leaf-covered ground, wet rocks and wooden stairs, stay inside safety facilities and marked paths when viewing or photographing foliage, and keep a safe distance from others in crowded sections. Descents carry the greatest risk, the agency said, because accumulated fatigue makes slips and missteps more likely.

The Mountain Safety Education Center at the National Park Education Institute recommended different techniques by terrain. On flat ground, a steady "rhythm walk" keeps a constant pace, landing heel first, then the middle of the foot, then the toes. On climbs, a "rest step" — briefly straightening the back leg so the skeleton carries the weight — reduces the load on the lower body. Going downhill, a "knee cushioning" stride with softly bent knees absorbs impact, and on steep slopes a zigzag line across the terrain helps hikers descend more steadily.

"Autumn is the season when many people visit national parks to enjoy the beautiful foliage," Joo said. "I hope you will choose a trail that matches your fitness and experience and prepare sufficiently before hiking so that you can enjoy a safe and pleasant autumn outing."