▲ Sokcho Beach, which has suffered from erosion
When we think of the scenery at a beach for the upcoming summer, the first thing that comes to mind is a pristine white sandy shore.
The sandy beach where vacationers walk barefoot is, in fact, the final line of defense protecting the coastline.
Every time waves roll in, the sand absorbs their energy, quietly shielding the roads, buildings, and residential areas behind it.
However, the sand is gradually disappearing.
Due to erosion from waves and wind, compounded by a decrease in sediment supply caused by development, the sandy shores of beaches across the country are receding every year.
South Korea is experiencing erosion along its east, south, and west coasts.
In particular, the east coast, including Gangwon and Gyeongbuk provinces, has deep waters and a simple coastline, allowing wave energy to be transmitted strongly toward the land.
According to a recent survey on the state of coastal erosion, the erosion risk rate (the percentage of areas classified as concerning or severe) on the east coast is 61.7%, significantly higher than the 17.6% on the south coast and 32.3% on the west coast.
The Port and Coastal Regeneration Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is implementing coastal maintenance policies to prevent erosion and preserve the coastline in response to these changes in the coastal environment.
One of the core projects is beach nourishment, which involves artificially supplying lost sand.
This method replenishes sand to restore the natural functions of the beach and reduce erosion.
The case of Sokcho Beach in Gangwon Province is a prime example.
As concerns grew over beach loss and damage to the hinterland due to persistent high waves, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries installed submerged breakwaters and carried out a beach restoration project involving 68,000 cubic meters of sand.
As a result, the average beach cross-sectional area increased by approximately 45%, from 67 square meters to 97 square meters, and the erosion grade also improved.
Furthermore, at Janggol Beach in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, nature-friendly methods were applied, such as installing wooden fences and planting pine trees alongside sand replenishment, to enhance the natural resilience of the coast.
An official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, "We will timely implement necessary coastal maintenance projects, such as submerged breakwaters and beach nourishment, in high-risk areas where erosion is progressing rapidly," adding, "We will strengthen policies to enhance coastal resilience by expanding nature-based solutions and securing buffer zones."
The official added, "We will continue to conduct surveys on the state of coastal erosion based on accurate diagnosis of causes and scientific data to establish a coastal management system."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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