The Incheon Marine Police Department has designated the Yeongheungdo mudflats as a restricted area following the death of a Coast Guard officer while on duty. Starting from the first of the month, they began enforcing strict access limitations to the area, particularly during nighttime and inclement weather conditions, with fines for violations reaching up to 1 million KRW. This measure aims to prevent further accidents in a location that has seen 13 incidents, including two fatalities over the past few years, culminating in the officer's tragic death when attempting to rescue a stranded citizen.

Local sea gathering enthusiasts, however, have voiced significant discontent regarding these restrictions. A representative from an online community with 90,000 members filed an administrative appeal against the Coast Guard, claiming the access restrictions are unjustified. They argue that the Marine Police had previously classified the area as dangerous based on insufficient data, and the community insists that visitor numbers have in fact decreased rather than increased, countering the Coast Guard's assertions. The situation has led to a surge of complaints, with over 7,500 objections filed through government channels after the restrictions were announced.

The upcoming administrative appeal will focus on the principle of proportionality between ensuring public safety and preserving individual property rights and freedom of activity. The Incheon Marine Police are determined to enforce the entry ban as planned, emphasizing their commitment to coastal safety while navigating the tensions arising from community rights and safety measures.