A fifth-grade student who went missing while hiking alone in Juwangsan National Park was found dead three days later, prompting claims that schools are restricting hiking club activities.
Recently, a post titled "Latest K-Accident Response Update" circulated on various online communities.
The author of the post, identified as A, claimed, "My younger brother, who is in high school, said that after the Juwangsan incident, the school has indefinitely suspended hiking club activities under the pretext of safety awareness checks."
A continued, "We had planned a trip to Jeju Island to climb Hallasan during the Buddha's Birthday holiday, but the funding was also canceled," adding, "They said they can't prevent personal trips to the mountain, but to do it discreetly."
A expressed disappointment, stating, "Climbing Hallasan was an event we had been preparing for and looking forward to since early this year. We decided to gather our own funds, but the school's response feels excessive."
The author noted, "I don't know if the school is taking preemptive measures due to concerns about complaints, but the military-style response continues. It is impossible to eliminate all accidents, and trying to control everything can lead to other negative effects."
As the post gained traction, discussions erupted online.
Some users commented, "I understand the concern for student safety," and "When an accident occurs, the responsibility falls heavily on the school or teachers, so they can't help but feel pressured," while others remarked, "There seems to be a growing reluctance towards experiential activities these days."
Conversely, other users argued, "Banning all activities after an accident seems like overreacting," and "Ultimately, it only deprives students of opportunities to gain experiences," adding, "It feels like a culture of avoiding responsibility is leading to a decline in activities."
Earlier, the student went missing after setting out alone for a hike in Juwangsan National Park with family and was found dead three days later. This incident has sparked ongoing debates about student safety management and the operation of experiential and outdoor activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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