News
Summer swells: Busan’s beaches post record visitor numbers
source: Busan Tourism Archive
Busan’s beach season has officially ended, closing on a high note. Haeundae Beach, the last to close, ended its season Sept. 15, capping a summer that saw record-breaking visitor numbers.
Seven of the city’s eight beaches, including Songjeong, closed Aug. 31. Haeundae remained open two additional weeks, running extra hands-on tourism programs that helped boost its numbers further. Haeundae and Songjeong had opened the season together on June 26, giving Busan’s coastline nearly three months in the summer spotlight.
The result was a record 22.53 million beachgoers this year, up 2.54% from last year. This marks the second consecutive year that Busan’s beaches have surpassed 20 million visitors, underscoring the city’s continued appeal as a summer destination.
Haeundae Beach accounted for much of that growth, drawing more than 10 million visitors on its own, a first for any beach in Korea.
Songdo Beach also had a strong year, with visitors up 5.96% to 3.2 million. Located in western Busan, Songdo continues to attract domestic and international visitors, aided by nearby attractions such as the Busan Air Cruise cable car and Amnam Park’s coastal cliffs. The beach is emerging as a peer to Haeundae and Gwangalli among the city’s leading destinations.
Safety remained a priority throughout the season. Electronic information boards, banners and regular announcements kept beachgoers informed of safety rules and crowd-control measures, while personnel patrolled every beach, with additional coverage during peak-risk hours. Multilingual announcements ensured international visitors received the same guidance.
Although the official season has ended, safety measures will continue. Guidance staff will keep patrolling and inspecting the beaches, and visitors are advised to avoid entering the water now that the swimming season is over.
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
consecutive: 연속되는 underscore: 분명히 보여주다 patrol: 순찰 돌다 guidance: 안내
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