Minimal Impact CodeThe creed of responsible mountaineers

As mountaineers of the 21st century, it is imperative that we take responsibility for our actions and try with all effort to minimize our personal impacts on the mountains that we so dearly adore and enjoy. By observing the minimal impact code, we can do our part through positive action and example to ensure that fragile mountain ecosystems, which provide us physical and mental sustenance, remain preserved for all posterity.

1. Stay on established trails

Trails that have been established are generally designed to prevent people from entering preservation areas and to avoid the spread of erosion.

2. Avoid delicate eco-regions

Ecosystems such as meadows, marshes, and wetlands are particularly sensitive and should be avoided when at all possible.

3. Practice etiquette

Be courteous to others who wish to use the trail. Maintain the trail so that others may enjoy it in a safe, environmental, and cultural manner.

4. Pack it in, pack it out

Take everything that you bring into the park back out with you. Leave nothing behind. Don’t bury or burn trash.

5. In a group, travel single file

This avoids making existing trails wider, as widening trails helps with the spread of human-induced erosion.

6. Tread lightly

Watch where you step, avoid tipping over rocks, and be careful not to trample over endemic fauna and flora.

7. Respect wildlife

If you are so lucky as to observe wildlife, be quiet and do not disturb the animal. Let it pass freely, do not feed it, and do not call out to it.

8. Respect the surroundings

Avoid changing the natural surroundings. Even if fallen rocks or trees cross the trail, do not move them.

9. Be quiet

In Korea, it is common to yell ‘Yahoo!’ from cliff tops and ridges. The Korean government and the KNPS are currently running a campaign to have hikers stop this, as research has attributed this yelling to decreases in bird populations. Furthermore, it’s unnecessary and not courteous to your fellow mountaineers.

10. Dispose properly

If you must relieve yourself while on the trail, maintain a distance of at least 50 metres from natural water sources, campsites, and trails. Dig a shallow hole to relieve yourself in, and then refill the hole with the removed soil and cover the area with nearby rocks and fallen leaves. Don’t leave your toilet paper behind; pack it in a bag and take it out with you.