Environmental Impact of Instant Noodles on Mount Halla
Mount Halla, also known as Hallasan in Korean, is the tallest mountain in South Korea, standing at 1,947 meters. Located on Jeju Island, a popular holiday destination, the mountain is facing environmental damage due to an unexpected source: instant noodles.
Campaign to Preserve Mount Halla
The Mount Halla National Park Office has launched a campaign to encourage hikers not to dump ramyun broth on the mountain or its streams. Ramyun, a type of instant noodles served in a disposable cup, is a popular snack among hikers. However, the broth contains a high amount of salt, which pollutes the water and harms aquatic life. Signs around the mountain urge hikers to use only half of the instant soup and water to reduce environmental impact. Violations such as smoking, leaving food and trash, trespassing, and drinking are prohibited, with penalties reaching up to 2,000,000 won (US$1,442.15).
Enforcement and Expansion of the Ramyun Trend
Jeju police have started enforcing these rules more strictly following complaints from residents about tourists' behavior. On June 25, a brief crackdown led to fines for various offenses, including littering and jaywalking. The fine for crossing the street outside a marked crosswalk is 20,000 won ($14.50), while crossing at a red light incurs a 60,000 won ($43.40) fine. Interestingly, the trend of eating ramyun at high altitudes has expanded beyond South Korea, with the noodles now being sold at the top of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
- Mount Halla is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. Last year, 923,680 people visited the mountain according to government statistics.
- The National Park Office emphasized the importance of preserving the mountain for future generations, urging visitors to 'keep Mount Halla clean and pass it on to descendants as it is.'
- The environmental campaign is not just about reducing noodle broth pollution; it also aims to tackle other issues such as smoking, littering, and unauthorized entry, ensuring a comprehensive approach to conservation.
