World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
South Korea Reports 99 Deaths in Coastal Foraging Accidents Since 2021
Coastal foraging has killed 99 people in South Korea from 2021 through August 2026, according to Coast Guard figures.
The activity, known as haerujil, involves gathering seafood along the shore or underwater, often using snorkelling gear.
Some people also take shellfish managed by fishing communities, including abalone, without permission, harming local livelihoods.
In one recent case near Daetan Port in Yeongdeok, authorities stopped a person suspected of collecting large amounts of horned turban snails and trying to hide abalone.
Most fatal accidents happened outside restricted areas, showing that a lack of warning signs does not mean a location is safe.
Strong currents and rising tides can trap people, and four foragers were recently stranded near Hasom before a couple spotted their distress signal and helped them reach safety.
Coast Guard officials urge people to check tides and weather and wear life jackets when going out along the coast.
South Korea’s Coast Guard recorded 99 deaths in coastal foraging accidents from 2021 through August 2026.
The deaths amount to an average of 17 a year, according to data submitted to the National Assembly.
Ninety-six percent of accidents involving casualties occurred outside access-restricted areas.
The article also describes illegal harvesting that can harm fishing communities and dangerous conditions that put foragers at risk.
A Coast Guard official urged people to check tides and weather and wear life jackets.
- Who
- People taking part in coastal foraging, known in Korean as haerujil.
- What
- The Coast Guard recorded 99 deaths in accidents involving coastal foraging from 2021 through August 2026.
- When
- From 2021 through August 2026.
- Where
- Coastal areas of South Korea.
- Why
- The article points to hazards such as strong currents and rising tides, as well as people entering the water without adequate safety precautions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Coast Guard data recorded 99 deaths in coastal foraging accidents.
A man in his 60s went missing while coastal foraging near Yeongheungdo.
The missing man was found dead.
Four people were stranded by strong currents while night foraging near Hasum Island; a nearby couple helped bring them to safety.
Coast Guard data on coastal foraging deaths was submitted to the National Assembly.
- Deaths
- 99 from 2021 through August 2026
- Annual average
- 17 deaths
- Accidents with casualties
- 96% occurred outside access-restricted areas
- Hasum Island
- Four people stranded by strong currents on October 12
- Yeongheungdo
- A man in his 60s was found dead on September 10
1 source
What people are saying
When engaging in activities along the coast, please thoroughly follow safety rules, such as checking tide times and weather information in advance and always wearing a life jacket.
There were many people collecting seafood while snorkeling.