As climate change drives prolonged heat waves and warmer seas into late summer, Korea’s beach operations are evolving with earlier openings, extended seasons, and even nighttime access becoming more common.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, beaches will begin opening summer operations nationwide in late June: Busan on the 21st, Incheon on the 22nd, Jeju on the 24th, Ulsan on the 27th, Gangwon on the 28th, and Gyeongnam in early July.
In Busan, Haeundae and Songjeong beaches will open on June 21, about ten days earlier than usual.
Unlike previous years when these beaches partially opened in early June before officially opening in July, this year marks a full early opening with an extended season.
Haeundae Beach will remain open until September 14, nearly two weeks longer than last year, while Songjeong and Gwangalli beaches will close on August 31.
Officials link the shift to warming trends: last September, Haeundae’s average water temperature reached 27.9°C, higher than August’s 25.2°C. Increased demand during this period prompted calls for more flexible operating schedules.
Elsewhere, night beaches are emerging as a new adaptation.
Sokcho Beach will remain open until 9 pm from July 23 to August 10, while Gangneung’s Gyeongpo Beach will do the same from July 26 to August 9.
Jeju will extend hours at four beaches — Samyang, Woljeong, Hyeopjae, and Iho — through mid-August, with some staying open as late as 9 pm.
While extended hours are expected to boost local tourism and economic activity, concerns persist about recurring issues such as excessive beach fees during the peak season.
In response to shifting climate patterns, the government has also extended the official summer water safety period through September 30.
Additional safety personnel and technologies like drones will be deployed to prevent water accidents during the longer beach season.
