The Growing Concerns Over Safety in Korea’s Camping Industry
A recent tragic landslide at a campsite in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi, has raised serious concerns about the safety and oversight of the rapidly expanding camping industry in South Korea. The incident, which occurred on Sunday after heavy rainfall, left the area completely buried in mud and debris, highlighting the vulnerabilities that exist in many campsites across the country.
The campsite in Mail-ri, Jojong-myeon, was hit by a massive landslide triggered by 198 millimeters (7.8 inches) of rain. The force of the water washed away a bridge leading into the area, while buildings were swept into the river. On the mountain road across the river, signs warning of falling rocks were already in place, indicating prior awareness of the risks.
A 54-year-old employee who was rescued from the site described how the area had been prepared with an excavator, as instructed by the owner. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster underscores the need for more comprehensive safety measures.
Experts have pointed out that many campsites are located in valleys and mountainous regions, making them particularly susceptible to flooding and landslides. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, there are currently 4,323 registered campsites nationwide. However, the rapid growth of the industry since the pandemic has not been matched by adequate safety infrastructure or regulatory enforcement.
Regulatory Challenges and Staffing Shortages
Under current law, campsites must meet specific safety standards before they can be registered. Local governments are responsible for monitoring both registered and unregistered sites. However, staffing shortages pose a significant challenge. In Gapyeong County, where there are 298 campsites, only two staff members are assigned to oversee them.
“We inspect sites daily across an area larger than Seoul,” said a local tourism official. “Staffing is based on the number of registered residents, not the actual population present, so we’re always short on manpower.” This lack of resources makes it difficult to conduct regular inspections and enforce safety regulations effectively.
Illegal campsites also remain a growing problem. In 2022, 11 illegal camping cases were uncovered, followed by 15 in 2023 and 10 in 2024, according to the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police. Some operators were even caught cutting down trees to build facilities without proper permits.
Financial and Legal Vulnerabilities
Unregistered campsites often lack insurance, which complicates compensation for victims in the event of an accident. An official from the agency noted that many site owners seem unaware of the risks and the legal requirements.
Another major issue is the widespread refusal to offer refunds during severe weather. Many campers have expressed frustration over having to proceed with trips despite heavy rain warnings, as operators refuse to issue refunds. One user posted on Naver’s camping community page: “There’s a campsite that openly says it won’t offer refunds even for natural disasters. Can I get help if I report this to the Korea Consumer Agency?”
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, 327 campsite-related complaints were filed over the past five years. Of those, 75.2 percent — or 246 cases — were related to refunds. Out of these, 61 cases were tied to weather or natural disasters. While consumer dispute resolution guidelines suggest that cancellations due to force majeure, such as natural disasters, should be eligible for a full refund, the policy is not legally binding.
Calls for Better Regulation and Consumer Awareness
Experts recommend that regulations be tightened, especially in disaster situations like heavy rain alerts. They also suggest that the industry should voluntarily adopt reasonable refund policies. Lee Hoon, a professor of tourism at Hanyang University, emphasized the importance of safety and urged consumers to check cancellation policies before booking.
“Safety is the top priority, so people should be able to reschedule or cancel their bookings,” Lee said. “Ideally, reasonable refund standards should be set through agreement among operators before the government steps in with regulations.”
As the camping industry continues to grow, it is clear that stronger oversight, better enforcement, and improved consumer protections are essential to prevent future tragedies.
