During the Liberation Day holiday's new-moon spring tide period, sea levels will be higher than usual, so preparation is needed for flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Beachgoers should also take care because people can become trapped on mudflats.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Aug. 11 that sea levels will rise above normal during the new moon (lunar day 1) spring tide period from Thursday the 13th through Sunday the 16th, noting, "We ask for particular caution regarding flooding in low-lying coastal areas and safety accidents involving summer beachgoers."
According to the National Institute of Oceanographic Research, during this spring tide period, fourth-level high tide alerts are expected to reach at least the caution level (possible flooding) along the West Sea and South Sea coasts, including Incheon, Gunsan, Changwon and Jeju. In particular, in Incheon, sea levels are forecast to rise to the warning level (high likelihood of flooding) for two days on the 14th and 15th.
This spring tide period also coincides with the peak summer vacation season when beachgoers gather. Because the tide can come in quickly and cause people to be trapped on mudflats, safety rules such as checking the tide tables and wearing life jackets must be followed.
Cha Seong-sin, acting head of the National Institute of Oceanographic Research, said, "During the August new-moon spring tide period, the rise in sea level will be large, increasing not only the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas but also the risk of safety accidents for summer beachgoers," and emphasized, "At high tide, please follow safety guidelines carefully in line with instructions from local governments."