Safety Precautions

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Many people may be planning a hiking trip to observe the New Year sunrise. Hikers are advised to take safety precautions due to the cold weather. Dress warmly, prepare safety gear and make sure to descend the mountain before sunset.

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Snow-capped winter mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. Mountaineers hurry their steps to climb the hill during the last holiday period of 2018. The fresh air and stunning scenery can distract climbers from paying full attention to the snow-covered mountain paths.

[Soundbite] Min Gyeong-soo(Hiker) : "I was attracted to the snow-covered surroundings and didn't pay attention to the slippery conditions."

People also need to watch out for blizzards and icy slopes. Oftentimes, hikers get rescued from what started out as a peaceful climb that turned for the worse due to sudden changes in the weather. Among the over one thousand hiking-related safety accidents reported in the past 5 years, 17 percent occurred in the winter. Hikers must be armed with clothing and professional gear to help maintain body temperature.

[Soundbite] Kim Baek-yun(Korean Alpine Rescue Association) : "Be equipped with heat-retaining and windbreaking clothing. Climbing irons and walking sticks can also assist with a safer climb."

Also in the winter when the sun sets early, hikers should quickly descend by around 3 p.m. and avoid slippery rocky areas. Conditions can be particularly dangerous for those hiking to view the New Year sunrise as the recent snow on the west coast has frozen to ice.