ONLINE TOUR OF HALLASAN MOUNTAIN

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In the era of COVID-19, the way people enjoy autumn foliage is changing. As hikers flock to Hallasan Mountain to see its picturesque scenery, national park officials have developed a program that offers online tours of the scenic mountain.

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Baengnokdam Lake on Hallasan Mountain is blanketed in white frost. Ice crystals covering tree branches create a spellbinding view. Down on the trail the beautiful contrast of colorful foliage against the blue sky mesmerizes hikers. The early winter to late fall scenery is simply breathtaking.

[Soundbite] SEO SUN-RYE LEE SOO-YEON (HIKERS) : "We were anxious about visiting crowded places because of the coronavirus. But here everyone is wearing masks and keeping social distance. The frost is beautiful."

A woman in her 90s and her son in his 70s make sure to follow virus prevention rules.

[Soundbite] KIM JUNG-SHIM, PARK HEUNG-KWI(HIKERS) : "I escorted my mother. We tried to climb the moutain at a safe distance from others. It's good to be here. Masks are worn even when taking pictures."

[Soundbite] "Please wear a mask when using the resting area and restrooms."

The Hallasan National Park management office is urging the public to follow precautions and has recently developed online tours. The beautiful autumn foliage of the mountain filmed by a drone can be enjoyed via social media or on YouTube without visiting the mountain in person.