Gyeongnam Namhae Mongdol Beach, Suffering from 'Stone Theft'… Penalties for Unauthorized Removal

Concerns among residents are growing due to outsiders visiting a beach in Gyeongnam Namhae and stealing 'stones' without permission.

On the 5th, Channel A reported that an outsider was caught on camera stealing stones at a beach famous for its rounded pebbles, known as 'mongdol', along the southern coast.

According to the report, a woman was seen picking up a stone at the Mongdol beach in Namhae and, seemingly dissatisfied with the stone she had chosen, threw it down.

A local resident who witnessed the incident expressed anger, stating, "This is really outrageous. What are they doing? Unbelievable!"

The woman selected several stones and, along with a man who appeared to be part of her group, filled a black plastic bag with stones and loaded it into a vehicle.

Witnesses reported that incidents of taking mongdol stones in large quantities are not uncommon.

One local resident expressed concern, saying, "There are so few stones in the world, how can this be a Mongdol beach?" and "Even picking them up one by one is actually prohibited; if they take them away in bulk like that, the original appearance of the beach will disappear."

In fact, removing stones from the coastline is illegal. Those caught face penalties of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.

In 2023, in Jeju, a case was reported where a Chinese mother and daughter were charged for illegally removing over 100 mongdol stones to decorate their yard.

Local authorities are installing banners to announce the prohibition of mongdol collection and are increasing guidance and enforcement efforts.

Image source: Channel A, reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank