Quiet Rescuers of Mountain Accidents

I took pictures of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team while living with them.
They worked 24 hours a day to keep hikers safe on the mountain.
Although the team was disbanded in 2025 due to organizational changes,
their dedication and hard work will live on forever through these photographs.

Chief Kim Chang-gon of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team transports a rescued victim to an area accessible for helicopter evacuation.

Chief Kim Chang-gon ignites a smoke flare, alerting the rescue helicopter to his exact location for a successful rendezvous.

During a critical moment of the rescue, a rescuer shields the victim from the powerful downwash of the approaching helicopter, which could cause secondary injuries. For the rescue team, the safety of the victim is always the top priority.

Rescuer protects the patient from the wind appearing after the landing of the rescue helicopter.

The Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team is conducting a joint rescue operation with the Seoul Fire Department.

The Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team is carrying a patient to an area where a rescue helicopter can enter.

Members of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team transfer a patient to a rescue helicopter. 

Though a routine operation for the team, it is a critical moment that demands absolute vigilance.

A view of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team and rescue helicopter.

The headquarters of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team, located at the midpoint of Bukhansan Mountain. 

They have no holidays and work 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of hikers.

The time when there is no rescue report is training time for them. 

The Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team patrols and trains every day.

Rescue workers use shortcuts instead of designated trails to reach patients quickly. 

These shortcuts are only available to Bukhansan rescue teams with professional climbing skills.

The appearance of the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team. 

Their trustworthiness can be felt from their silhouette.

This is a rock climbing training conducted by the Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team in the summer. 

Through this training, you will learn high-level climbing techniques and how to overcome fear.

The Bukhansan Mountain Rescue Team always does their best for the safety of climbers. 

They have now disappeared into history, but their dedication will be recorded forever through this photo.