Mountain accidents in Ulsan’s Yeongnam Alps peak in October; getting lost and slips and falls account for 74.7%

【Financial News, Ulsan = Reporter Choi Soo-sang】 As autumn arrives and the number of hikers visiting Ulsan’s Yeongnam Alps surges, particular caution is needed to prevent mountain accidents. Accidents are concentrated between September and November.
According to Ulsan Fire Headquarters on the 12th, rescue teams were dispatched to a total of 2,029 mountain accidents in the Ulsan area over the past five years (2021–2025). Of these, 697 cases, or 34.4%, occurred during the autumn months of September to November.
By month, October had the most incidents, with 267, followed by September (220) and November (210). Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) dispatches accounted for nearly half of the total, at 49.6% (1,006 cases). Accidents were frequent at 6 p.m. (201 cases) and 3 p.m. (200 cases), typically around the time hikers were descending.
An analysis of rescue team dispatch data from last year (2025) found that the most common type of accident was “general distress,” including getting lost, with 114 cases (37.5%). “Missteps, slips and falls” were also common, with 113 cases (37.2%), meaning these two types accounted for 74.7% of all accident causes. Other major causes included personal medical conditions (19 cases, 6.3%) and exhaustion or dehydration (6 cases, 2.0%).
Accidents were particularly concentrated around the Yeongnam Alps, including Sinbulsan, Ganwolsan and Gajisan, which accounted for 60.2% of the total (183 cases). Hikers visiting the area are urged to take care.

If you get lost or have an accident while hiking, don’t panic or try to move recklessly. Stay in a safe place and call 119 immediately. Checking and reporting a nearby “National Location Number” or “mountain location sign” can greatly help rescue teams quickly determine your location. There are currently 201 mountain location signs in Ulsan’s main mountainous areas. In addition, 74 basic rescue and first-aid boxes are available for emergency treatment when needed.
Experts advise hikers to follow safety rules to enjoy autumn hikes safely. Before setting out, be sure to check the weather and hiking route in advance. It is also important to choose a suitable trail based on your fitness level.
The sun sets early in autumn, so hikers should begin their descent with plenty of time before sunset. To avoid getting lost, stick to designated trails. Be sure to bring spare clothes for the wide temperature swings, a flashlight in case it gets dark quickly, and a portable phone charger so you can call 119.

[email protected] Choi Soo-sang Reporter