At face value, instant noodles and mountains may not seem like they have a ton in common. But if you’re a park staff member in charge of the tallest mountain in South Korea, the unlikely conjunction of these things has probably proven as the latest hair-ripping ordeal.
Mount Halla, the highest mountain in South Korea, stands tall and proud on the volcanic paradise of Jeju Island. At 6,388 feet, this towering peak is a magnet for hikers, who bring along their favourite hiking snack — ramen noodles. However, a peculiar ritual has emerged: after slurping their noodles, hikers discard the leftover broth on the ground. This has resulted in a surprising ecological conundrum, reports the Smithsonian Magazine.
According to the Korea Times’ Jung Da-hyun, visitors are dumping between 26 and 31 gallons of ramen broth daily. The salty liquid is threatening to seep into streams, jeopardising aquatic wildlife. and the mountain’s endangered plant species. To top it off, the unmistakable scent of ramen is attracting crows and weasels, turning Mount Halla into a veritable buffet for wildlife.
In response to this noodle nuisance, the National Park Office of Mount Halla decided that the best course of action was to put their hikers on a diet. Signs posted around the park have advised tourists to cut their noodle and water portions in half. In addition, the park staff have also installed five giant containers where hikers can pour out their leftover broth. These "broth banks" aim to prevent the salty deluge from disrupting the mountain’s delicate ecosystem.
Jeju Island, which houses Mount Halla, is a tourist hotspot known for its dramatic lava tube caves, stunning waterfalls, rocky formations, and towering cliffs. The island and its geological marvels were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. In 2023, Mount Halla saw an influx of over nine lakh visitors, as per CNN.
