Jeju’s beach season officially opened on June 21 with some beaches remaining open until August 31. Although beaches have different season opening times, all facilities at such beaches will be available during the period and there will various be various forms of entertainment and commercial vendors on public beaches.
The beach season, however, is not a concept well understood in other countries. For example, in the UK, the “bathing season” there – between May and September – only signifies a period during which water quality is tested for bather health and safety.
On Jeju beach lovers are encouraged to use the beaches only during the beach season and health and safety measures are only enforced during this short summer period. While some people argue that such precautions should be available all year round, others argue that the season should be extended so the holiday season is less congested during the hot summer months.
The Jeju Weekly put this question to members at Jeju Island Social, Jeju Island’s most popular Facebook group among the international community. Votes were fairly evenly split between those who believe it should be removed altogether with year-round facilities (51 percent), and those who believe there should be an extended beach season with more relaxed rules (45 percent.
Patrick Conway said that extension of the season would ease congestion while Andrew Elwood was in favor of a “swim-at-your-own-risk policy” with rigorous safety measures including well-trained lifeguards and an ocean condition warning system. Others called for less stringent rules at public beaches and Emily Jennings called for the season to be extended to September when there is “always perfect beach weather.”
The Jeju Weekly is contacting provincial officials for their responses. To make your voice heard visit the debate here. You can also write a letter to the editor on the subject at editor@jejuweekly.com. Letters should be within 500 words and contain your name and contact details.
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