The mining area/map is saved because Youngtaek’s cassette tape was already in the cassette player. Even after it stopped, it automatically registers the map in the game system, rather than the memory of the player. Which is why he doesn’t recollect putting that specific tape into the cassette player.
Which yes, I went back to read it, and it sort of implies Yongtaek may have completed the mining area/map already.
OK ignore my second reply pls, my first one still stands
ive always understood the tapes saving part but now im confused abt wtf is meant by "map" like after theyve explored all easter eggs of the map it's then completed? just walking arnd the whole map area is enough? fuckin what