865 Million Visit 83 Beaches in Gangwon, Up 11% from Last Year
Thorough Safety Measures and Themed Beach Operations Attract More Summer Visitors
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on September 2 that a total of 8.65 million visitors were recorded at 83 beaches in the province during the summer of 2025, marking an 11.3% increase from the previous year. This is the highest figure since the COVID-19 endemic phase.
A panoramic view of the Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government
The province cited the prolonged heatwave this summer and the launch of its first-ever "Theme Beach Operation Support Project" as major factors driving the increase in visitors. By transforming beaches from simple swimming destinations into complex experiential tourist attractions, visitors were able to enjoy a wide variety of content.
A total of approximately 2.62 million people visited the six themed beaches: Gangneung Jumunjin "Camping Beer Beach," Donghae Mangsang "Child-Friendly Beach," Sokcho "Night Content Beach," Samcheok "Family-Friendly Beach," Goseong "Ban Beach Pet-Friendly Beach," and Yangyang Naksan "Beach Market Beach." This represents a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province deployed around 630 safety personnel to 83 beaches and installed jellyfish prevention nets at major locations to prevent safety accidents.
As a result, the number of jellyfish sting incidents dropped sharply from 618 cases last year to just 2 cases this year.
In addition, the province thoroughly managed and improved safety facilities and addressed price gouging issues through frequent inspections before and during the beach season.
Kim Kwonjong, Director of Tourism at Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "I would like to thank the tourists who visited the East Coast of Gangwon despite the scorching summer, as well as all those who worked hard for safety and operations. We will analyze this year's results, expand on what went well, and address shortcomings to make Gangwon's beaches even safer and more enjoyable next year."
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