Southeast Coast Famous Beaches 'Imrang' and 'Ilgwang' in Full Bloom

Opening on July 1 for 62 days of summer visitors... White sand beaches must also follow 'COVID-19 prevention guidelines'

Scenic view of Ilgwang Beach, Ilgwang-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan. [Image source=Naver Photo]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The famous beaches of Korea's southeastern coast, Ilgwang Beach and Imrang Beach in Gijang-gun, Busan, are busy preparing for their opening.

Gijang-gun has decided to open Ilgwang and Imrang Beaches, popular tourist attractions in the Gijang area, for 62 days from July 1 to August 31 to welcome summer visitors, and preparations are in full swing.

Due to concerns about COVID-19 infection and spread, Gijang-gun has established an unprecedented "Beach COVID-19 Response Operation Plan." Access to multi-use facilities such as shower rooms will be limited, and dedicated management staff will be assigned to continuously carry out disinfection and ventilation.

Convenience facilities such as parasols have been arranged with ample spacing to comply with social distancing guidelines, following consultations with operating organizations. Cooperation will also be promoted to users of self-installed shade tents to maintain a 2-meter distance.

Various cultural events held annually, such as the Ilgwang Romantic Song Festival and the Gijang Coastal Village Festival, have been completely canceled. In line with the post-COVID era, the paradigm of beach use will be shifted to allow visitors to enjoy quiet nature within the city.

Gijang-gun plans to hire temporary workers for beach environment maintenance to instill an image of the sea as a place that dispels fears of the virus and offers romance and memories, like a cozy resort, to tourists visiting the beaches. Nurses and safety management personnel will be stationed full-time, and both Plan A and B will be activated to create a pleasant and safe beach environment.

A Gijang-gun official said, "To prevent COVID-19 infection and spread, we plan to strictly enforce social distancing guidelines such as wearing masks and maintaining a 2-meter distance at the beaches," adding, "We hope visitors create safe and comfortable memories at the Gijang sea."