Gyeonggi Province Firefighters' dedication brings warmth across borders

(C) Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Fire & Disaster Headquarters.

A heartwarming story has emerged of Singaporean tourists who, after being rescued from Mount Bukhansan, sent letters of gratitude to the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Fire & Disaster Headquarters.

According to officials on the 9th, four Singaporeans became stranded while descending the mountain at night without proper lighting last November. Mountain rescue teams from Goyang Fire Station, who were in the area for another mission, discovered the group. The rescuers provided their own jackets to prevent hypothermia and shared their water, guiding the tourists safely down the mountain.

Upon returning to Singapore, the hikers sent letters featuring the handwritten Korean phrase "Gamsahamnida" (Thank you) and messages such as "You are our HERO." They stated they would "never forget the kindness received in Korea."

In a separate incident in December, a man in his 50s rescued from Mount Gukmangbong via helicopter also shared his gratitude. After recovering from severe hypothermia, he wrote, "The day I was rescued was the day I was born again. You are doing the most noble work in the world."

Kang Dae-hoon, Commissioner of the Northern Fire & Disaster Headquarters, praised the rescuers for their swift and devoted response, reaffirming their commitment to public safety for both citizens and visitors.