Gyeongnam Province has begun a fall crackdown on illegal activities in forests, including the unauthorized collection of mushrooms, chestnuts and medicinal plants.
The enforcement period runs from September 14 through October 31, coinciding with the peak season for gathering forest products such as songi pine mushrooms and neungi mushrooms.
Joint provincial and local enforcement teams will patrol forests, supported by surveillance cameras and drones. Authorities will target unauthorized harvesting, open fires and cooking, illegal dumping and unauthorized use or development of forest land.
Taking forest products from property without permission can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Penalties for fire-related violations have also increased following the introduction of the Forest Disaster Prevention Act in February. Starting fires or bringing prohibited fire sources into forests can carry fines of up to 2 million won, while smoking or discarding cigarette butts can result in fines of up to 700,000 won.
Gyeongnam plans to place warning banners at major hiking trail entrances and village halls before stepping up enforcement.
