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"This Summer Is the Last": Tourists Flock to Ports, Leading to Man's Paralysis

Published : Jun 29, 2026 9:03 AM

Video

[Anchor] There are concerns growing over a trend on social media called "last port diving." What is this about?

[Reporter] Yes, water activities at ports and harbors will be completely banned starting next year.

Because of this, tourists are flocking to these areas, claiming this year is their last chance.

Recently, videos of people enjoying diving and snorkeling at famous ports in Jeju have been appearing on social media, accompanied by phrases like "This summer is the last for port diving."

This is because the National Assembly amended the Fishing Villages and Fishery Harbors Act to ban water activities at ports and harbors starting in April next year, with fines of up to 500,000 won for violations.

However, as the law's implementation approaches, the influx of tourists is raising concerns about safety accidents.

In fact, a man in his 50s in Jeju recently suffered serious injuries, including paralysis of all four limbs, after diving without properly checking the water depth and hitting his head on the bottom.

Over the past five years, 14 out of 47 deaths in coastal accidents in Jeju occurred at ports and harbors, the highest number for any specific location.

The Coast Guard has urged the public to follow basic safety rules, such as checking water depth and tide times before entering the water, and wearing life jackets.

(Source: Online Community, Jeju Tourism Organization)