More than 1.6 million people visited 12 beaches on Jeju Island this summer, an 11% increase from a year earlier, driven by early openings and expanded nighttime operations.
Hamdeok Alone Draws 700,000 as Jeju Beachgoers Surge
A total of about 1.606 million people visited the island's 12 beaches this summer, the Jeju provincial government said on the 7th. That compares with about 1.448 million a year earlier, up 11%.
Hamdeok Beach in Jeju City drew the largest crowd at about 700,000 visitors, followed by Hyeopjae Beach with about 203,000 and Geumneung Beach with about 130,000.
The province credited the increase to early openings timed to an early heat wave, along with stronger on-site operations covering hospitality, safety management and visitor convenience. Hamdeok alone is estimated to have accounted for more than 40% of the total.
"Three-Free" Beaches Eliminate Price Gouging and Rudeness
Since last year, the province has run all 12 beaches as "three-free" beaches, aiming to eliminate three negatives: fatal accidents, rude service and price gouging.
To ease costs for visitors, the province held parasol rental fees at 20,000 won and platform rentals at 30,000 won. Those prices, cut to about half of 2023 levels, have been frozen for a third year since 2024.
The province also introduced specialized services. Hamdeok Beach opened a "pet beach" where visitors can swim with their pets, while Iho Tewoo and Pyoseon beaches provided floating wheelchairs to help visitors with limited mobility. The measures were seen as an effort to ensure that no group of visitors is left facing difficulties.
Safety Management Continues Even After Beaches Close
Safety staffing was also increased from last year. The province deployed 284 private lifeguards, 36 more than a year earlier, and operated a 119 civilian water rescue team of 60 people a day. Those personnel are dispatched immediately when swimmers are in danger. On weekends and holidays, officials conducted 100 safety inspections at beaches, ports and other swimming areas.
Although the beaches have closed, safety management will continue for the time being. From the 7th through the 20th, a total of 192 personnel — 126 in Jeju City and 66 in Seogwipo City — will be stationed at beaches, ports and coastal waters to advise against entering the water, while accident response coordination with fire and coast guard authorities will continue without interruption. The step is intended to fill the safety gap that tends to emerge right after the peak summer season.
"This year we flexibly adjusted beach operating periods to match the heat wave and tourism demand," said Kim Jong-soo, director general of the province's Ocean and Fisheries Bureau. "We will review the results and any inconveniences to create a safer and more convenient beach environment."
