Halla Mountain and its importance
Halla Mountain, with an altitude of 1,947 meters, is the highest mountain in South Korea and is located on the beautiful Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination. However, this iconic mountain might be facing a surprising problem: instant noodles.
The Mount Halla National Park Office has launched a campaign to raise awareness among hikers about the importance of preserving a clean environment on the mountain. According to a press release, many trekkers have been observed carrying instant noodles to eat during their visit. However, the broth from these noodles can have a negative impact on the mountain ecosystem.
The noodle broth problem
The broth in instant noodles contains high levels of salt, which can be harmful to the environment. When hikers dump the soup into mountain waterways, it contaminates the water and makes it difficult for aquatic insects to survive. The National Park Office has highlighted this issue in a Facebook post, which also mentions that hikers should use only half of the instant soup and water.
The instant noodle trend in the mountains
The consumption of instant noodles in the mountains is not unique to South Korea. According to CNN, this trend is expanding globally. Even in places like the Matterhorn in Switzerland, hot instant noodles are offered. This popularity has led to a surge in global consumption of instant noodles, fueled by the pandemic and economic inflation.
In South Korea, instant noodle exports have reached record levels. According to May data, exports exceeded $100 million, thanks to the growing popularity of South Korean culture and food. This growth has been especially notable in the last year, with a 46.8% increase in instant noodle exports.
It is important to be aware of the impacts that our actions can have on the environment, even in places as remote as the mountains. The conservation of Halla Mountain and its ecosystem is everyone’s responsibility. By following the recommendations of the National Park Office, we can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain without compromising its integrity.
