[26.05.12] Missing Boy Found Dead After Three-Day Search at Juwangsan

Missing Elementary Student Found Dead on Third Day of Search at Juwangsan

📍Rescue dog discovered the boy below a cliff near Jubong Peak as parents broke down in tears during final search operation

An 11-year-old elementary school student, identified only as A, who went missing at Juwangsan National Park in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province, was found dead three days after his disappearance. Police, firefighters, and national park officials carried out a large-scale search using helicopters, drones, and rescue dogs before locating the boy in a steep valley outside a hiking trail near Jubong Peak. His parents collapsed in grief at the scene, while rescue workers also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic ending.

🔹 Massive Search Began After Elementary Student Disappeared on Mountain Trail

A went missing on May 10 after visiting Juwangsan National Park with his family from Daegu.

According to authorities, the family had visited Daejeonsa Temple near the entrance of the park when A told his parents he would “go up the mountain for a short while” before heading alone toward Jubong Peak.

At the time, the boy was not carrying a mobile phone. He was wearing a Samsung Lions baseball uniform and cap along with glasses. Authorities described him as being approximately 145 centimeters tall with a slim build.

When A failed to return, his family searched nearby trails on their own before reporting him missing to emergency services at around 5:53 p.m. that day.

Police, firefighters, and Korea National Park Service officials immediately launched a joint search operation. CCTV analysis reportedly found no signs suggesting criminal involvement, leading authorities to focus their search around the Jubong Peak area where the boy was last believed to have headed.

Beginning on the second day, search teams continued operations overnight using thermal-imaging drones, rescue dogs, and specialized rescue personnel. Tension intensified as rain, thunder, and lightning were forecast for the area.

🔹 Rescue Dog Located Boy in Steep Valley Off Hiking Trail

At approximately 10:13 a.m. on May 12, a rescue dog discovered A below a cliff outside the hiking trail near Jubong Peak.

Police special forces and rescue workers who followed the rescue dog confirmed that the boy had died.

Authorities immediately began recovery operations and later transported the body by helicopter to a hospital.

The location where A was found was more than 100 meters away from the designated hiking trail. Officials described the area as a steep valley filled with rocks, thick vegetation, and difficult terrain.

A park official explained that the area was not easily accessible unless someone intentionally pushed through dense brush and left the established path.

The Jubong Peak trail is already known for its narrow and steep terrain. In particular, the final 400-meter section near the summit contains rocky cliffs and metal stairways, making it one of the more dangerous routes in the park. Many hikers instead choose the relatively easier Yongchu Falls course.

The Korea National Park Service stated that it regularly installs warning signs and conducts patrols to prevent visitors from leaving designated trails. However, authorities still do not know why A moved away from the trail and into the forested cliff area.

🔹 Parents Collapsed in Tears as Search Ended in Tragedy

The scene turned heartbreaking after news of A’s death was delivered to his family.

According to witnesses, A’s mother, who had been waiting near Giamgyo Bridge during the search, burst into tears after hearing the police explanation and was unable to continue speaking.

About 30 minutes later, when A’s father came down from the mountain after participating in the search, the mother reportedly cried out again and collapsed emotionally upon seeing him.

Police officers, firefighters, and rescue personnel who had spent three days searching the mountain also struggled to hide their grief. Some reportedly expressed regret, saying they wished the boy could have been found sooner.

Local residents also voiced shock over the tragedy. One resident said it was heartbreaking that such a young child had somehow entered such a dangerous and inaccessible area.

The elementary school attended by A was also said to be in shock following the news.

School officials announced plans to provide grief education and psychological counseling support for students, particularly classmates and teachers directly affected by the incident.

A school representative said teachers and students were emotionally devastated and that counseling services would be made available for anyone needing support.

🔹 Authorities Investigating Exact Cause of Accident

Police and rescue authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

So far, investigators say no signs of criminal activity have been discovered. Authorities are examining the possibility that the boy accidentally slipped or fell after leaving the designated trail.

The search operation involved more than 340 personnel, including police officers, firefighters, park officials, and local residents. Authorities also deployed three helicopters, six drones, sixteen rescue dogs, and dozens of rescue vehicles and equipment throughout the three-day search.

Despite desperate efforts and hopes for a safe rescue, the operation ultimately ended in tragedy.

One-line summary : An elementary school student who went missing at Juwangsan National Park was found dead in a valley near Jubong Peak after a three-day search operation.