With summer fast approaching in South Korea, Busan’s Haeundae and Songjeong beaches—along with Incheon’s Eulwangni, Wangsan, and Hanagae beaches—will be the first to officially open to the public on June 21.

Ahead of the busy season, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it will convene a meeting on June 18 with ten coastal local governments, the Korean Coast Guard, National Fire Agency, National Police Agency, and the National Institute of Fisheries Science to review operational readiness and discuss enhanced safety measures for the nation’s beaches.

Local authorities have been instructed to deploy adequate safety personnel and rescue equipment, and to actively provide visitors with safety information through banners and public service announcements throughout the season.

Further, in anticipation of hazardous marine life such as jellyfish and sharks, additional safety nets will be installed, and authorities are bolstering their response protocols.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science will intensify jellyfish monitoring this year, while the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency will carry out real-time surveillance for dangerous rip currents.

Additionally, both the Korean Coast Guard and the National Fire Agency are strengthening collaboration to ensure swift response to any incidents or accidents involving recreational water activities.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and local governments will conduct on-site safety inspections as more beaches open in southern regions, with Busan’s Imrang Beach set to open on June 27 and Ulsan’s Jinha Beach following on July 1.

Throughout the summer, top officials—including the minister and vice minister—will visit sites to personally inspect safety protocols. Regionally based, dedicated inspection teams will maintain continuous oversight of beach management.

Minister Kang Do-hyung emphasized that the government’s goal is to achieve a ‘zero accident’ summer at the nation’s beaches. “We are reinforcing site inspections, strengthening safety management, and ensuring that all response systems operate quickly and efficiently,” he stated. “By assigning more safety staff and distinctly separating leisure, swimming, and water sports areas, we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all.”

For more details about this year’s beach opening and closing dates nationwide, visitors can refer to the ‘Badaon Beach Travel Planner’ website at badaon.or.kr.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo = Korea Policy Briefing, Yonhap News Agency