Haerujil Accidents Surge While Safety Personnel Remain Insufficient
Recently, as more people enjoy 'haerujil'—the practice of catching shellfish or seafood along the coast—related accidents have also been on the rise. Last year, the total number of deaths and missing persons resulting from haerujil accidents reached 22, the highest figure recorded in the last six years.
However, compared to these dangerous conditions, safety management remains insufficient. According to National Assembly member Song Ok-ju, seven out of the eight currently designated coastal danger zones are being left unattended without any safety management personnel deployed.
Budget support for accident prevention is also extremely low. The relevant budget accounts for only 0.05% of the Korea Coast Guard's total finances. As a result, it is difficult to hire enough professional personnel, such as 'coastal safety guards,' to prevent accidents and protect citizens.
Experts emphasize that to reduce haerujil accidents, it is necessary to significantly increase safety management personnel and conduct thorough monitoring of danger zones. Furthermore, citizens visiting the sea must strictly follow safety guidelines.
The sea is subject to rapid weather changes and contains many risk factors. For safe marine activities, both an expansion of the government budget and special caution from citizens are required.