Starting June 2025, South Korea will officially ban surfing while intoxicated to enhance water safety. The new regulation, set to take effect on June 21, will prohibit individuals from engaging in water leisure activities, such as surfing and kayaking, while under the influence of alcohol. South Korea, with its extensive coastline of around 9,500 miles, is known for its surfing spots despite being overshadowed by Japan’s Pacific swells.
The Korea Coast Guard announced the revision of the Water Leisure Safety Act on December 20, which expands the existing law to include non-powered water leisure activities. Previously, the law focused on regulating drunk control of powered watercraft, but this amendment will extend penalties to those caught operating surfboards, kayaks, and similar equipment while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
In recent years, the link between alcohol and surfing has become a growing concern, especially in areas like Yangyang, a popular surf town in South Korea. Known for its prime surf breaks, Yangyang is increasingly attracting party-goers, with alcohol-fueled nightlife overshadowing its once-thriving surf culture.
The town has gained a controversial reputation as a “one-night stand mecca,” with many visitors indulging in casual encounters rather than focusing on surfing. This shift is harming the local economy and displacing the town’s original identity as a surf destination.
The Korea Coast Guard has pointed to these developments, alongside a rise in alcohol-related accidents, as key reasons for the revision of the Water Leisure Safety Act. The law, which will take effect on June 21, 2025, aims to prevent intoxicated individuals from operating non-powered water leisure equipment, including surfboards and kayaks. Previously, the law only applied to motorized watercraft like jet skis. However, with the growing popularity of non-motorized activities and the increasing number of alcohol-related incidents, the need for stricter regulations became clear.
Under the revised law, anyone found surfing with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03% or higher will face a fine of up to one million won (about $685). The same penalty applies to individuals who refuse to undergo alcohol testing. The Coast Guard has emphasized the importance of these measures in improving public safety and preventing further accidents. “We will continue to identify unreasonable rules related to public safety and strengthen penalties realistically,” said Kim Jong-wook, head of the Korea Coast Guard.
Public opinion has been shifting towards stricter crackdowns on drinking and drug use in these activities, especially given the rising number of accidents. The revised law aims to address these issues by implementing tougher penalties and reinforcing the importance of public safety in water leisure activities.
While the idea of surfing under the influence may seem unusual, South Korean authorities argue that alcohol consumption before engaging in activities like surfing or kayaking increases the risk of accidents. Alcohol impairs sensory perception, judgment, and reaction time, which can make these activities more dangerous. Experts agree that being intoxicated while participating in water sports could heighten the likelihood of accidents, even if surfboards themselves are not inherently dangerous. However, the decision to target surfers for alcohol testing raises questions, especially since such incidents have not been statistically prevalent worldwide.
One concern is how authorities will determine which individuals to test for alcohol consumption on beaches, especially in areas like Yangyang, where nightlife and surfing culture have become intertwined.
While some have pointed out that night surfing could be a contributing factor, there has been no clear indication that it is a major problem. As the law comes into effect in 2025, it remains uncertain what criteria will be used to select individuals for sobriety tests, leaving many to question the practicality and fairness of the new regulations.
