Pohang to open 8 beaches Saturday for 44-day summer season

Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, will open eight designated beaches simultaneously on Saturday, running through Aug. 23 — a 44-day summer season — to welcome vacationers, the city announced Wednesday.

The eight beaches opening this year are Guryongpo, Dogu, Sinchang, Songdo, Yeongildae, Chilpo, Wolpo and Hwajin. All will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ahead of the opening, the city inspected safety facilities and amenities including shower rooms and restrooms to ensure residents and tourists can enjoy the water safely and comfortably.

Safety measures have been reinforced, particularly to guard against harmful marine life, with barrier nets installed at each beach to block jellyfish, sharks and other hazardous sea creatures.

To prevent water accidents and enable rapid response, the city will deploy 90 safety personnel in total — 82 lifeguards and 8 emergency first-aid workers.

Patrols and safety management will be stepped up throughout the operating period, with a response system in place to ensure swift rescue and first aid in emergencies.

"We will do our utmost in safety management and facility operations so that all residents and tourists visiting Pohang's beaches this summer can make safe and enjoyable memories," a city official said.