Sanbangsan Mountain on South Korea’s Jeju Island, where a Singaporean tourist was rescued by helicopter after allegedly entering a restricted area and getting lost on May 18. — Pixabay pic (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Malay Mail Thursday, 21 May 2026 1:12 PM MYT SINGAPORE, May 21 — A Singaporean tourist was rescued by helicopter in South Korea after he allegedly wandered into a restricted section of a popular mountain on Jeju Island and became lost.According to The Straits Times, the 60-year-old man, identified only as Mr A in local media reports, had allegedly entered a prohibited area on Sanbangsan Mountain at about 7.48pm on May 18.Located along the south-western coast of Jeju Island, Sanbangsan is a well-known tourist attraction, especially during spring when its mustard flower fields draw large crowds. However, access to the mountain’s upper sections, including the summit, is prohibited due to concerns over vegetation protection and the risk of rockfalls.Visitors are only permitted to go as far as the ticket office and the Sanbanggulsa Cave Temple located midway up the mountain.The Chosun Daily reported on May 19 that the Singaporean had lost his bearings while climbing the mountain before making a distress call.Fire authorities launched a search operation and eventually rescued the man by helicopter at around 10pm, roughly two hours after the report was received. He was said to be in good condition following the rescue.The Jeju Self-Governing Police Agency said on May 19 that it is investigating the tourist for allegedly breaching South Korea’s Cultural Heritage Conservation and Utilisation Act.Under the law, unauthorised entry into restricted heritage zones can carry penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or fines reaching 20 million won (about RM53,000).