Busan Assesses Tourism Readiness and Safety Ahead of Beach Opening
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Busan Assesses Tourism Readiness and Safety Ahead of Beach Opening
□ On May 26, 2026, at 15:00, Busan Metropolitan City held the 2026 Beach Operations Briefing in Small Conference Room 2 on the 12th floor of Busan City Hall before the city’s beaches are set to open to the public.
○ Under the vision of creating ‘pleasant and reliable beaches for all seasons,’ officials from the city, gus, guns, fire departments, police, and the coast guard reviewed relevant strategies, support initiatives, and interagency coordination.
□ The 2026 beach season begins on June 26 at Haeundae and Songjeong, while Songdo, Gwangalli, Dadaepo (East, West), Ilgwang, and Imnang follow on July 1.
□ As beach attendance reached 21.979 million in 2025, up 11.4% from 2024, Busan intends to prioritize enhanced safety protocols.
○ Risk assessments are conducted in advance, with swimming and coastal recreation zones designated accordingly. Lifeguards are deployed based on projected crowd levels.
○ To address offshore hazards such as jellyfish, rip currents, and severe weather, Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Ilgwang installed jellyfish-blocking nets and protective facilities. A joint response system involving the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Squad, independent lifesaving teams, and the coast guard is also in place.
○ In particular, the Busan Metropolitan City Fire and Disaster Headquarters runs the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Squad at seven beaches from June to September, while strengthening emergency preparedness by means of peak-season staffing and rapid water rescue units.
□ The city implements a range of facilitation measures in surrounding beach areas to improve visitor services during the summer vacation period.
○ Measures include accommodation hygiene standards, food poisoning prevention amid rising temperatures, traffic and parking control, overcharging regulation, and water and soil quality monitoring.
□ This year, Busan aims to transform its beaches beyond seasonal use into year-round marine leisure destinations designed to encourage longer stays.
○ Location-specific programs feature kayaking and scuba diving at Songdo, surfing at Songjeong, and stand-up paddleboarding at Gwangalli; wellness activities—beach yoga, sunset Pilates, ocean running, and the Singing Bowl Lounge*—are provided as well.
* A meditation space or experience for deep relaxation and mental and physical well-being through the sound and vibrations of singing bowls
○ The Gwangalli M Drone Light Show, the Busan Sea Festival, and the Korea International Marine Leisure Week are also expected to raise Busan’s profile further.
2026 Beach Schedule in Busan (7 Locations)
2026 Beach Schedule in Busan (7 Locations) Dates
Hours
Songdo
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Haeundae
June 26 – September 15
09:00 – 18:00
Songjeong
June 26 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Dadaepo (West)
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Dadaepo (East)
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Gwangalli
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Ilgwang
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
Imnang
July 1 – August 31
09:00 – 18:00
