[26.05.11] Search Continues for Missing Boy at Juwangsan National Park

Search Continues for Missing Boy Kang Sun-woo on Juwangsan Mountain

📍Police and Rescue Teams Expand Night Search for Elementary Student Missing Without Phone

Authorities are continuing an intensive second-day search for Kang Sun-woo, an elementary school student who went missing while hiking with his family at Juwangsan National Park in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province. 

The 11-year-old boy reportedly entered the mountain alone without carrying a cellphone. Police, firefighters, and park officials are now conducting nighttime search operations using thermal-imaging drones and rescue dogs.

Although investigators currently believe there are no signs of criminal involvement, worsening weather conditions and difficult mountain terrain are increasing concerns for the child’s safety.

🔹 Kang Sun-woo Went Missing After Hiking Alone

According to Gyeongbuk Police Agency and rescue authorities on May 11, sixth-grade elementary school student Kang Sun-woo, 11, disappeared around noon the previous day at Juwangsan National Park.

Kang, who lives in Daegu, had visited a temple inside the national park with his parents before reportedly saying he would briefly hike to Jubong Peak by himself.

When family members later failed to locate him, they reported him missing to emergency authorities at 5:53 p.m. the same day.

At the time of his disappearance, Kang was wearing a Samsung Lions baseball uniform and cap, a yellow windbreaker, and blue sneakers. He is approximately 145 centimeters tall and has a slim build.

Authorities said he was not carrying a cellphone, making location tracking significantly more difficult.

🔹 Large-Scale Search Operation Underway

Police, firefighters, and officials from the Korea National Park Service launched a full-scale search immediately after receiving the report.

Investigators analyzed CCTV footage inside the national park and focused search efforts on the 2.3-kilometer hiking route stretching from Giamgyo Bridge to Jubong Peak.

Authorities stated that no evidence suggesting criminal involvement has been discovered so far.

During daytime operations on May 11, rescuers deployed a helicopter, drones, and approximately 90 personnel to search the mountain area.

Nighttime operations are also continuing, with 80 personnel including police officers, firefighters, and national park workers remaining at the scene.

Thermal-imaging drones and rescue dogs have additionally been mobilized to widen the search area.

🔹 Rain Forecast Raises Additional Concerns

Search teams are closely monitoring weather conditions as thunderstorms and rain are forecast for the Cheongsong area.

According to weather authorities, rainfall is expected to continue through the evening of May 12, with total precipitation estimated at around 20 millimeters.

A police official stated that drones would continue operating as long as weather conditions permit, adding that search operations may be adjusted depending on conditions at the scene.

Because mountain searches become significantly more dangerous at night due to limited visibility and slippery terrain, rescue personnel are reportedly conducting operations under heightened tension.

Authorities are continuing strategy meetings on-site while considering additional equipment deployments if necessary.

🔹 Family Waiting Anxiously for News

Kang’s family remains at the scene awaiting updates from rescue teams.

His father told reporters that they had walked together near a short mountain path connected to the temple area and that was the last moment he saw his son.

Family members are also reportedly suffering emotional distress from speculative online comments and misinformation spreading after news of the disappearance became public.

Police urged the public not to circulate unverified information and asked anyone who may spot Kang to immediately contact emergency authorities through 112 or 119.

Authorities said all possibilities remain open as the search continues around the clock.

One-line summary : Police and rescue authorities are continuing a second-day nighttime search for elementary school student Kang Sun-woo, who disappeared while hiking alone on Juwangsan Mountain.