Geoje’s 16 public beaches officially closed for the 2026 summer season on August 23 after attracting nearly 1 million visitors.
A total of 983,000 people visited the city’s beaches this summer, helped by an early heat wave and relatively dry monsoon season.
Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach was the most popular, drawing approximately 326,000 visitors, while Gujora Beach ranked second with around 193,000.
Deokpo Beach also received additional attention after members of the popular girl group RESCENE, associated with the viral “Geoje Yaho” meme, visited the beach.
The successful season ended on a difficult note, however, after more than 900 mm of extreme rainfall hit the area about a week before closing.
Fourteen of Geoje’s 16 beaches suffered damage, with sand and gravel washed away and large amounts of storm debris and garbage deposited along the coastline.
Some beaches partially reopened after emergency repairs and safety inspections before the August 23 closing date.
With the swimming season now over, Geoje officials said efforts will focus on repairing damaged facilities, removing debris and restoring affected beaches.
Visitors are also being advised to avoid swimming after the official closure, as lifeguards and other beach safety personnel are no longer stationed at the beaches.
