Collectors of nuts and berries at national parks will be punished by up to three years in jail or fines up to 30 million won($26,761), to make sure acorns and other food for wild animals remain in good supply, the Korea National Park Service said Thursday.
Those caught on the spot with a handful of acorns also have to pay a 100,000 won fine.
The park authority said the measure is aimed at preserving acorns, the main food for squirrel and bears.
"A decreasing number of people have been caught picking acorns, but the number of those who just pick them up without thinking has been growing," an official at the office said.