The average sea level along our country's coastlines has risen by 10.7 cm over the past 35 years. In particular, the rate of increase has accelerated over the past 10 years compared to before.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced in data released on the 19th that from 1989 to 2023, the average sea level increased by 3.06 mm annually. Accumulated, this amounts to a total rise of 10.7 cm. Compared to the past 10 years (2004–2013) where the annual average rate of increase was 2.79 mm, the recent 10 years (2014–2023) have seen an increase to 3.88 mm, indicating an acceleration in the rate of rise.
By region, the east coast saw an annual increase of 3.46 mm, recording the highest rate of rise including Ulleungdo. This was followed by the west coast with an annual 3.20 mm, and the south coast with an annual 2.74 mm. Among the observation points, Ulleungdo showed the fastest rate of increase at 5.11 mm annually, followed by Pohang, Gunsan, Boryeong, and Sokcho.
Sea level rise is noted as a representative indicator of climate change. To analyze this, the National Institute of Oceanographic Research under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has been annually announcing the sea level rise rate based on data accumulated for over 30 years since 2009. This analysis utilized data collected from 21 coastal observation points.
The National Institute of Oceanographic Research stated that based on this data, they plan to provide sea level height information on their official website in the first half of next year.