A Crowd of Campers at Gunsan Saemangeum Rest Area 'Furrows Brows'

The sight of people setting up tents and enjoying camping in the rest area parking lot has sparked outrage among internet users.

On the 4th, a post titled "Is this right, campers?" was uploaded to the automotive online community 'BobaeDream.'

The author, Mr. A, expressed his frustration, stating, "It's the Saemangeum rest area, and when I came to park, they were setting up a campsite and enjoying themselves," adding, "It's a parking lot, but there is no parking space at all. Is this right?"

According to photos shared by Mr. A, tents set up by campers can be seen dotted around the parking lot.

The Gunsan Saemangeum Sunset Rest Area and its parking lot are places where the Korea Rural Community Corporation has completely prohibited camping and cooking, yet it is referred to as a 'wild camping hot spot' among campers.

In fact, if you search for the Saemangeum rest area online, you will find keywords such as 'Gunsan Camping,' 'Wild Camping,' 'Car Camping Spot,' 'Wild Car Camping,' and 'Camping Spot' appearing together.

In response, the Korea Rural Community Corporation has installed notices and banners stating 'Prohibition of tent installation and cooking in the rest area parking lot' and has increased patrols, but there is no fundamental solution, leaving them constantly troubled by the issue.

Internet users who saw Mr. A's post reacted with anger, saying things like "I can't tell if they are campers or refugees," "I don't understand why they live like that. What’s wrong with going to a campsite operated by the government?" "Did they buy good equipment but can't afford to go to a camping site?" and "I can't tell if it's camping or homelessness."

Meanwhile, those who violate the ban on camping and cooking in restricted areas may face fines of up to 3 million KRW. Additionally, starting a fire in designated 'rest areas' can result in a fine of up to 100,000 KRW, detention, or restorative punishment under Article 3, Section 1, Item 22 of the Minor Offenses Punishment Act.

Image source: BobaeDream