Gyeongbuk Province Holds Final Report Meeting on Coastal Erosion Survey
24 Out of 44 Surveyed Sites Identified as Erosion-Prone
On July 8, the final report meeting for the "2024 Coastal Erosion Status Survey Service" was held at the Eastern Office of Gyeongbuk Province.
Approximately 30 participants attended the meeting, including coastal management officials from five coastal cities and counties, local experts, and representatives from research institutions. They shared the results of the status survey and discussed future response strategies.
Yeongdeok Goraebul Beach, where a coastal maintenance project is being promoted due to coastal erosion
The coastal erosion status survey has been conducted annually since 2010 in response to accelerating coastal erosion caused by factors such as sea level rise due to climate change and more frequent typhoons. The survey comprehensively analyzes erosion history, erosion characteristics, and topographical changes in coastal areas of the province that are considered at risk of erosion.
The 2024 survey monitored a total of 44 coastal areas in the province. Using drone aerial photography, satellite image analysis, and numerical modeling techniques, the survey was carried out with precision and scientific rigor. During the final report meeting, the results of the service were explained, and in-depth discussions were held on the characteristics of erosion by region.
According to the survey results, areas classified as erosion-prone or severely eroded (grades C and D) accounted for 24 out of 44 sites, or 54.5%. This represents a decrease of one site (4.2%) compared to 25 sites (58.1%) in 2023. By region, the erosion-prone rates increased in Uljin County and Ulleung County, while Gyeongju and Yeongdeok Counties showed a decreasing trend, and Pohang City remained unchanged.
In terms of coastal topography, the coastal area decreased by 1,915 square meters (about 0.3 times the size of a soccer field) compared to the previous year, but the volume increased by 11,963 cubic meters (equivalent to 767 25-ton dump trucks). The results of the survey are expected to be used for future shoreline retreat predictions and coastal stability assessments.
The service provider analyzed that "Gyeongju and Yeongdeok Counties, which experienced significant temporary erosion due to Typhoon Hinnamnor in 2022 and Typhoon Khanun in 2023, are showing signs of recovery. In particular, the continued implementation of coastal maintenance projects is gradually mitigating erosion."
Based on the scientific data obtained through the status survey, Gyeongbuk Province is conducting precise analyses of the causes of erosion and continuously implementing coastal maintenance projects that apply customized prevention measures tailored to local characteristics. As a result, the proportion of erosion-prone areas, which was 80.5% in 2015, has decreased to 54.5% as of 2024.
In 2025, Gyeongbuk Province will invest a total of 43.9 billion KRW in coastal maintenance projects at 14 sites. Of this, 31.6 billion KRW will be allocated to seven sites as national direct projects, and 12.3 billion KRW will be allocated to seven sites as local government projects. Major project sites include Pohang Yeongildae Beach, Yeongdeok Baekseok-Goraebul, Uljin Hupo-myeon Geumeum and Bongpyeong 2-ri, and Ulleung Seogu Taeha 1-ri, all of which are areas with significant erosion concerns.
Jung Sangwon, Director of the Department of Oceans and Fisheries of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "The results of this status survey will play an important role not only in proactive responses to coastal erosion but also as foundational data for the upcoming 'Managed Coastline' system. We will move beyond concrete-centered responses and establish an eco-friendly and sustainable coastal management system to create a healthy coastal space where residents can feel safe and at ease."
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