Noodle Nightmare: Ramyun Broth Threatens South Korea's Majestic Mount Halla
At Global Trekker, we're passionate about exploring the world's most beautiful destinations while promoting responsible tourism. Today, we're taking you to South Korea's highest peak, Mount Halla, where an unusual culinary trend is causing unexpected ecological challenges.
The Ramyun Trend and Its Environmental Impact
Mount Halla, standing at 1,947 metres (1.2 miles) tall on Jeju Island, has become a hotspot for hikers who bring instant noodles, known as ramyun or ramyeon, on their treks. While this trend has gained popularity, it has also led to environmental concerns.
The National Park Office warns that discarding ramyun broth in streams and on the mountain can have severe ecological consequences:
High salt content in ramyun broth makes water uninhabitable for aquatic insects
Pollution of natural water sources
Degradation of the overall mountain environment
Campaign Details and Regulations
To combat this issue, the National Park Office has implemented several measures:
Banners with messages encouraging environmental preservation
Signs urging hikers to use only half of the instant soup and water
Strict regulations prohibiting:
Smoking
Leaving food and trash
Unauthorised entry
Drinking
Violators of these rules may face penalties of up to KRW 2,000,000 (USD 1,442.15).
Mount Halla's Significance
Part of the UNESCO-listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes heritage site
Attracted 923,680 visitors in the previous year (2023)
Global Spread of the Ramyun Trend
Interestingly, the popularity of eating instant noodles at high altitudes is spreading beyond South Korea. Korean media reports that ramyun is now available for purchase at the summit of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
As this trend continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for hikers and tourists to practice responsible consumption and waste disposal to preserve natural environments worldwide.
Stay tuned for more stories from our Nature & Environment, where we continue to explore the intricate relationship between adventure and conservation around the globe.
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