South Korea: Hot air balloon accident on Jeju island April 12

Event

One person was killed and 12 tourists were injured on Thursday, April 12, after the hot air balloon they were traveling in crashed into a hill on the southern resort island of Jeju. The balloon hit a tree while attempting to land north of the Mulyeongari-oreum volcano in the city of Seogwipo. The balloon, carrying 13 people, had picked up the tourists in the city of Jeju. This is the second hot air balloon accident on the island since April 1999, when one person died and four others were injured after hot air balloons crashed due to strong winds.

Context

Jeju is the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula. It lies in the Korea Strait and contains the World Heritage Site Jeju Volcano. The island is also home to a naval base. 

Advice

On a separate security note, individuals present in South Korea should be aware that authorities regularly hold civil emergency exercises; sirens are sounded, transportation suspended, and some people asked to move into shelters marked with a special symbol. Participation by foreign nationals is not compulsory. Individuals are advised to follow any instructions by local authorities during these emergency exercises.