South Korea's highest mountain is threatened by environmental destruction from a new, unexpected source - namely from instant noodles.
The office responsible for Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain at 1,947 meters, has launched a campaign to urge hikers not to discard instant noodle soup on the mountain or in its waterways. The aim is to preserve a "clean environment", according to a press release, writes CNN.
The reason is the broth's high salt levels. In South Korea, it is trendy for hikers to bring instant noodles in a disposable container, to eat during the day.
"The broth contains a lot of salt, and throwing it into the valley's water flow makes it impossible for aquatic insects to live in polluted water", writes the office in a Facebook post.
Among other things, smoking and leaving food and trash are prohibited on the mountain. Those who violate the ban risk fines of up to 2,000,000 won, equivalent to over 15,000 kronor.
The trend of eating noodles on high mountain peaks is also spreading beyond South Korea's borders. According to Korean media, you can now order ramyun noodles at the top of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
