Rescue dog finds missing man after three days lost in South Korean mountains

A missing 60-year-old man, who had been lost for three days in a mountainous area of Anyang, South Korea, was successfully located thanks to the swift action of a specialized search and rescue dog. The dog, named Gaon, found the man within two hours of being deployed, significantly increasing his chances of survival.

The man had gone missing on July 31 in a forested area near Yaksa Temple. Despite extensive search efforts by approximately 40 personnel from fire and police departments, the challenging terrain made locating him difficult. The Gangwon Provincial Fire and Rescue Service's Yangyang Aviation Unit received a request for canine assistance and deployed Gaon and handler Firefighter Kang Ha-young on the afternoon of August 2.

Gaon, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, quickly picked up the scent and led the team to the missing individual. The man was found collapsed on a mountainside, showing signs of severe dehydration and injuries, including suspected bleeding and fractures. He was unable to move and was in critical condition, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Rescuers provided immediate first aid and transported him to a hospital. Officials from the Gangwon Fire and Rescue Service credited Gaon's precise tracking abilities with saving the man's life, emphasizing that the timely discovery prevented him from succumbing to prolonged exposure in the wilderness. Gaon has a proven track record, having previously assisted in finding missing persons during major flood events.