You're Doing it Wrong: Surf and Destruction in South Korea
There is a certain lack of respect and misunderstanding about man’s interaction with nature here in South Korea and particularly the ocean. Since surfing has become popular recently here in South Korea, many people have jumped on the bandwagon and doing as is done here. And what’s that you may ask? ... Cashing in on the newest fad. Going overkill with complete disregard for respect of nature and others as well as the surf culture that can be found worldwide.
Unfortunately Songjeong beach has become the victim of this new money grabbing surf spree and what used to be a pristine quiet sleepy beach is now one of South Korea’s most popular and chaotic surf spots. 
There are 17 surf shops that have all staked a claim on this small beach (although after speaking with a local shop owner he said there are at least 20). Each with their stash of soft tops ready to rent. They also offer large group lessons. Those that are more often than not led by an inexperienced instructor. Some of whom have only been surfing for a week, others who cannot even swim.
each flag here representing a surf shop and/or school
The aspects of respect are simply not taught and it leads to collisions and misunderstandings in the water.
But if that wasn’t enough to make you sick let’s not forget the designated surfing and swimming zones. Both of which are clearly marked with buoys and patrolled by a team of life guards constantly blowing their whistles to keep those who cross over the line in place.
jet skis (currently unmanned) used to zip back and forth in the water blowing whistles and keeping crowds in line, however at times it looks like the teenage life guards riding them are often joy riding
If you want to surf the whole beach, it is open to surfers before 9am and after 6pm. If you’re not an early bird you’ll be left with only one option....the surf zone.
9am is when all of this starts along with the automated announcements in English and Korean laying out rules and guidelines on 'how to enjoy the beach'. The announcements for rules change in the evening mainly about not lighting fireworks. These run until midnight.
There are parasols and tubes to rent. If you own a tent however and are just looking for some shade, be ready to fork up 15,000 won are about $13 per day.
trash lines the beaches now, even at the beachside surf rental area, enough to make you cry inside
Public bathrooms are available however showers are 500won or 50¢ per minute.
At the end of the day, when almost everyone has gone. A beach filled with trash is left between. Anything from beer cans, water bottles, empty potato chip bags to shirts, shoes and even pizza and fried chicken boxes (which deliver by the way). 
*here a man working for a local restaurant places laminated paper at each parasol for advertisement.
as you can guess, these often end up in the ocean as the tide comes in or littered along the shoreline
After all is said and done, it’s clear that something is very wrong here and needs to change before another natural beauty of this world is destroyed by the folly of man.
Surfing is not just some lesson you can learn in a classroom. It's a mindset, a culture. You must respect this world that we live in. It's not just about money and greed, actually quite the opposite. It is about living harmoniously with our fellow citizens and this planet earth we call home.
all of these photos were taken by me, and I would say no one was harmed during this but that is simply not true. Collisions and injuries are a daily occurrence here at this heavily policed, poorly managed beach
This is the one thing I REALLY hate about Korea: the wastefulness of resources. I see so many people leaving garbage everywhere for the elderly to come and pick it up. If it wasn't for the generation that built this country, South Korea would be filthy.
Thanks for showing this. I don't think I would ever hit up this tourist trap.
It never used to be a tourist trap. The real trap is Haeundae. But so many people moved from haeundae to songjong now. And by people, I mean business owners grabbing new territory because haeundae is now destroyed and completely sold out.
I think mob mentality is a big part of it where they think they can just leave trash around if they see trash around already, or other people doing it. It's really sad to be honest
This may be part of it. What gets me is seeing children follow in the same footsteps. As a teacher I always do my best to take time to educate my students about proper care of the earth. Urging them not to litter and waster. Tough to do when the message they see around them is the opposite but it's something.
This is the perfect example of parents having a huge role in who their children grow up into today. The biggest problem being there is an extent to how much other people can influence the growth of other children without the inference of those kind of parents.
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Man this is sad. What's worse is that the people here are completely blind to this inconsiderate activity. No etiquette or respect any kind for their surroundings. Makes me just want to yell right in their ears to stop being stupid. Maybe a slap too if necessary.
Can only push forward. Must lead by example and educate where possible. Local and global issue.
nice clicks, awesome post
Thank you for sharing, I had no idea that surfing was exploding so much in South Korea... It is truly sad to hear what is happening there - and like you said, really around the entire globe for that matter, as far there being a total lack of understanding between our connection as humans to mother nature and planet earth. Education is key like you said, hopefully some changes can be made - a great starting point, although small, would be getting rid of those little advertisement cards from the local businesses. Hope you can see some changes soon!
That would be a start. What would have been nice is if the original 1 or 2 surf shops didn’t let 18 other shops set up at the same location. It’s just complete excess and overkill. Pure cash grab
Seems that way - pure cash grab overkill - like you said. Yea I'm surprised they didn't/weren't able to do more to prevent the area from becoming so over-saturated so quickly
They are able. But this is the way it goes. Sell out the land, destroy it, have regrets years later and make regulations after the fact.
Well done. Good subject you take for steem. Thanks
I'll never understand Korea's backwards trash system. You have guys riding around all day throwing their business cards at every door and no one seems to care. The last picture of that'Chinese' food menu sticking out of the sand is really infuriating.
I hear you. The 'no littering' is not quite here yet. Unfortunately. If it is, it's not enforced
Oh man... seeing and reading this like that makes me boil! All that trash should be now picked and thrown to their living rooms or in front of their houses!
I don't get how people can thing it's ok to leave their waste wherever they want. Zero imagination!
Grrr..
Frustrating everyday. We have to be the change we want to see
Trying.. some just don't give a crap.