Busan reviews beach safety and tourism readiness ahead of summer opening

Many beach umbrellas are visible on Haeundae Beach.

(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Busan is stepping up safety and tourism preparations ahead of the summer beach season, with city officials and related agencies reviewing operating plans for the city’s beaches before opening day.

The city held its 2026 Beach Operations Review Meeting on May 26, bringing together district offices, fire authorities, police and coast guard officials to discuss safety measures, emergency response systems and visitor management plans.

Haeundae and Songjeong beaches will open on June 26, followed by Songdo, Gwangalli, Dadaepo, Ilgwang and Imrang on July 1.

With beach visits topping 21.97 million last year, up 11.4% from 2024, Busan said it plans to strengthen safety management by expanding lifeguard staffing, separating swimming and marine leisure zones, and enhancing joint response systems for risks such as jellyfish, rip currents and severe weather.

The city will also review food safety, accommodation hygiene, traffic, parking, water quality and price monitoring around beach areas to improve the overall visitor experience.

Beyond summer operations, Busan is also promoting year-round marine leisure tourism through programs such as surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach yoga, sunset Pilates and ocean wellness activities, along with major seasonal events including the Gwangalli drone light show and Busan Sea Festival.

Fleet Chinhae