Gangneung Expands Rocky Shore Restoration Project... Reviving 2.54ha of Marine Forest in Sacheon Coastal Area

Gangneung City Launches Rocky Shore Algal Habitat Restoration Project
Enhancing Marine Forest Effects and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems

Gangneung City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Kim Hongkyu) is implementing a restoration project for rocky shore algal habitats affected by coastal erosion in the Sacheon coastal area of Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung City. The project aims to restore the coastal ecosystem by improving rocky shores affected by coastal erosion and enhancing the effects of marine forests.

Gangneung City, Map of the Restoration Project for Algal Habitat on Eroded Rocky Shores (Sacheon Coast). Provided by Gangneung City

The phenomenon of coastal erosion refers to the whitening of coastal rocks, where seaweed disappears from the rocky shore and white calcareous algae attach to the rocks, turning them white. This is a representative case of marine ecosystem degradation, as it destroys habitats for marine life and leads to a decrease in marine resources.

To address this, the city plans to invest 200 million won and use underwater spraying equipment to remove coastal erosion from 2.54 hectares of rocky shore in the Sacheon coastal area by January 2026.

Previously, the city has carried out coastal erosion removal projects sequentially: 0.94 hectares in Gangmun in 2021, 1.13 hectares in Jumun-ri in 2022, 5.38 hectares in Jumun-ri in 2023, and 2.57 hectares in Yeongjin in 2024.

Through this project, the city expects the rocky shores affected by coastal erosion to recover to a healthy state, allowing seaweed spores to naturally attach to the rocks and seaweed to flourish once again.

Gangneung City, Restoration Project for Rocky Shore Seaweed Habitat Affected by Coastal Erosion (Before Work). Provided by Gangneung City

Seo Hyejin, Director of the Marine and Fisheries Division, stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the coastal areas devastated by coastal erosion can be revived as the vibrant blue sea of Gangneung through the restoration project for rocky shore algal habitats. We will actively work not only to restore the coastal ecosystem but also to contribute to increasing the income of local fishers."