3-1-2024 (JAKARTA) A South Korean national who went missing while hiking Mount Agung in Bali’s Karangasem region has been found dead. The body of Kyung Dam Oh, 31, was discovered on Friday afternoon at an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level.
I Gusti Ngurah Eka Wiadnyana, coordinator of the Karangasem Search and Rescue Post (Basarnas), reported that the victim is believed to have fallen approximately 100 metres down a ravine. “The circumstances surrounding the discovery indicate a fatal fall from a significant height,” he stated.
The search operation involved a joint rescue team comprising members from Basarnas, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), military personnel, police forces, and local guides. The team was split into three groups and began their search early Friday morning, ultimately leading to the discovery of Oh’s body.
The incident was first reported to the Bali Basarnas Post by the South Korean Consulate on Thursday afternoon. Oh had been hiking alone when he lost his way on the volcanic mountain. Upon receiving the report, the joint search and rescue team was immediately dispatched to commence their search operation, focusing on the route via Pura Pasar Agung temple in Sebudi Village, Selat District.
Mount Agung, standing at 3,142 metres, is Bali’s highest volcano and is considered sacred by the local population. The tragedy highlights the importance of taking proper safety precautions when attempting to climb the challenging terrain of this active volcano.
