Access Prohibited Following Repeated Fatalities During Rescue Attempts

Access to the rocky areas and surrounding waters of Hajodae Beach in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, is restricted starting today (July 24).

The Gangneung Coast Guard announced that it has issued and implemented a notice designating this area as an access-restricted zone pursuant to Article 10 of the Act on the Prevention of Coastal Accidents in order to prevent recurring maritime accidents along the coast.

Although the area appears relatively safe from the outside, underwater currents have led to repeated drowning and fatal accidents even in waters close to the shore.

In particular, last year, an individual who entered the water to rescue someone calling for help lost their life instead, and in another incident, when one person fell into distress, five people entered the water to help, resulting in all of them drifting and falling into danger.

The restricted access zone covers the rocky outcrops and the sea area within 25 meters to the left and right of both ends of the rocks.

However, entry is permitted up to 3 meters from the shoreline, and only the rear sections of the rocky areas prone to falling into the sea are restricted.

Entering the designated restricted area is subject to a fine of up to 1 million won.

Accordingly, the Gangneung Coast Guard plans to actively guide the public to prevent violations by installing three public notice boards, hanging informational banners, and deploying coastal safety guards.
 
(Photo provided by Gangneung Coast Guard, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.