South Korea has reported a 21% decrease in the proportion of coastal erosion along its shores, according to a recent assessment by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in South Korea, a recent survey revealed that the proportion of eroding coastal areas has decreased significantly from 65.3% in 2024 to 44.4% in the most recent assessments. This survey, which is conducted annually under the Coastal Management Act, measures the extent of erosion and categorizes conditions from stable to critically at risk of erosion. The results indicated that out of 225 surveyed coastal areas, 100 (44.4%) were classified as at risk or critically eroded, marking a significant reduction from the previous year’s figures.
Additionally, environmental factors, such as a lack of damaging typhoons and decreased frequency of high waves, combined with effective coastal management policies, appear to have contributed to this improvement. The ministry noted that some areas showed substantial recovery, such as Haeundae in Busan, which improved from a worrying state to a normal state in the recent assessment. Plans to begin early coastal rehabilitation projects in areas that showed improved erosion statuses are also being considered, alongside an expansion of the coastal monitoring sites from 229 to 368 in the near future.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of ongoing coastal erosion management, especially as sea levels continue to rise by approximately 3mm annually due to climate change. They reassured the public that continued scientific research and systematic management would help ensure the safety and usability of the coastal regions in South Korea, aiming to address the growing challenges posed by environmental changes.
