Emergency Alert Over 'Toxic Jellyfish' Stings on Jeju Beaches... Six Cases Already Reported This Year

Children Stung at Sinhung Beach

Nomura's Jellyfish Advisory Issued

Urgent Need to Strengthen Coastal Monitoring

As highly toxic Nomura's jellyfish have entered the coastal waters of Jeju in high density, a series of jellyfish sting incidents involving swimmers has occurred. There have already been 6 fire and emergency dispatches this year alone. With the peak summer vacation season in full swing, this situation has created a state of heightened alert for both coastal food safety and water-related activities. In response to advisories from fisheries authorities, there is urgent need for local governments and fire authorities to establish proactive field control and effective safety monitoring systems.

The highly toxic Nomura's jellyfish swimming in the coastal waters of Jeju. Photo by Changwon Park.

According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters on July 20, at approximately 4:53 p.m. on July 19, three girls under the age of 10 were stung by jellyfish while playing in the water at Sinhung Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City.

They experienced minor symptoms, such as pain in their hands and feet, and received first aid from 119 emergency responders who promptly arrived on the scene before being safely handed over to their guardians. The number of emergency fire dispatches due to jellyfish stings in Jeju was 32 in 2021, 15 in 2022, 24 in 2023, 11 in 2024, and 19 in 2025. As of July 19, 2026, 6 cases have already been recorded, making jellyfish stings a major recurring safety risk for summer vacationers annually.

This incident was caused by the mass influx of Nomura's jellyfish, a large and toxic species, into the Jeju sea from coasts of Taiwan and China via ocean currents.

The National Institute of Fisheries Science had already issued a preliminary jellyfish advisory for the Jeju area on June 22, 2026, citing the impact of hot and humid summer weather and rising sea temperatures that led to the high-density appearance of toxic jellyfish off Jeju's coast.

Nomura's jellyfish have whip-shaped tentacles with toxic stingers. A sting causes severe pain, swelling, and whip-like rashes, and, in severe cases, can lead to difficulty breathing or symptoms of shock, requiring particular attention to health and safety.

The repeated occurrence of jellyfish stings underscores the urgent need for more than just warnings. With large crowds of vacationers flocking to Jeju’s beaches during the peak season, it is crucial to swiftly implement precise field barriers and immediate safety control measures to maintain confidence in beach safety.

Because jellyfish tentacles retain their toxicity even after being severed, the authorities must strengthen announcements restricting entry into the water to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with jellyfish carcasses or fragments. Continuous and close safety monitoring at major beaches is required to preempt additional casualties through sophisticated administrative measures.

An official at the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters advised, "If stung by a jellyfish, you must immediately leave the water and rinse thoroughly with seawater or saline solution for at least 10 minutes. Washing with tap water or alcohol can accelerate the spread of toxins and should be strictly avoided. If pain persists or red spots spread, immediately call 119 or seek help from an on-site safety officer to receive prompt emergency treatment."

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