"Shark Sightings Reported in Succession off the Coast of Gangneung"

Gangneung City Issues Safety Alert via Disaster Text

Coast Guard Requests Loudspeaker Warnings at Beaches

On July 4, multiple reports of shark sightings were received off the coast of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, prompting a call for caution.

According to Yonhap News Agency and the Gangneung Coast Guard, at around 2:03 p.m. that day, a fishing boat operating off the eastern coast of Gyeongpo Beach reported a shark sighting. Another report soon followed, stating that a shark had been spotted 4 kilometers east of Anmok Beach. In response, at 4:51 p.m., Gangneung City sent out a disaster alert message urging the public to be vigilant when participating in marine leisure activities or swimming at the beach.

On the afternoon of the 4th, vacationers were cooling off at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon, which held an opening ceremony. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Gangneung Coast Guard advised nearby leisure businesses and fishing vessels to exercise heightened caution. Additionally, the Coast Guard requested that local beaches in the Gangneung area broadcast safety warnings via loudspeaker regarding the shark sightings, and ordered the coastal patrol boats and coast guard vessels to intensify patrols and safety activities.

Over 90,000 Gather at Gyeongpo Beach in a Single Day

Meanwhile, Gyeongpo Beach held its first official opening ceremony of the year on the afternoon of the 4th.

According to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, as of 5 p.m. that day, a total of 109,341 people visited six beaches across three cities and counties—Gangneung, Sokcho, and Goseong—to enjoy their summer vacation. Of these, Gyeongpo Beach alone drew 90,540 visitors, making it especially crowded.

Daytime temperatures in Gangwon Province topped 30 degrees Celsius, with the heatwave continuing. According to the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration, the highest temperatures were 34.1 degrees Celsius in Singi-myeon, Samcheok; 32.6 degrees in Gujeong, Gangneung; 32.1 degrees in Gyeongpo, Gangneung; 32.3 degrees in Seorak-dong, Sokcho; 32.1 degrees in Wonju; 32 degrees in Yeongwol; and 30.5 degrees in Donghae, among others, making for a sweltering day.

A total of 86 beaches across six cities and counties along the East Coast of Gangwon Province, including Gyeongpo Beach, will open in succession and remain in operation until late August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.