Large sections of the eastern side of Busan’s Dadaepo Beach will remain off-limits to swimmers this summer, despite the completion of a long-awaited project to relocate the stormwater pipeline that once divided the beach.
Ahead of the beach’s opening on Wednesday, Saha District has been installing safety barriers and preparing designated swimming areas.
However, only about 160 meters of the eastern beach will be open for swimming, the same length as last year, even though the entire stretch spans roughly 450 meters.
Swimming will be permitted only between the area near the Molundae restaurant district and the central beachfront café area, while the remainder of the beach will remain closed.
District officials say the restrictions are necessary because of a large sandbar that formed beneath the former stormwater outfall.
Over decades, sediment and debris carried through the drainage system accumulated, creating unstable underwater terrain with sudden drop-offs.
Authorities also cite the potential for strong currents and rip currents as reasons for limiting public access.
Many residents had expected the entire eastern beach to reopen once the stormwater pipeline relocation was completed.
Instead, a second consecutive year of partial access has led to disappointment and renewed calls for the district to address the underlying safety issues.
