Tragic Night Fishing Accident: 70-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Swollen River in Eumseong County

Tragic Discovery in Eumseong County Waters

On July 20, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM, a devastating discovery was made in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province. A 70-year-old man, identified only as Mr. A, was found dead in a river in Daeso-myeon after what appeared to be a night fishing expedition gone tragically wrong. The incident has highlighted the dangerous conditions that can arise when recreational activities meet severe weather patterns, particularly during Korea's monsoon season when rivers can transform from peaceful waterways into deadly torrents within hours.

According to local police and fire authorities, the emergency call came in around 8:30 AM when a passerby reported that a fisherman had disappeared from the area. The discovery was made near Samho Bridge, where rescue teams found Mr. A's body in the swollen waters after an hour-long search operation. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with fishing during adverse weather conditions, especially for elderly individuals who may be more vulnerable to sudden changes in their environment.

The Dangerous Reality of Night Fishing During Monsoon Season

Night fishing has long been a popular activity in Korea, particularly among older generations who appreciate the tranquility and potential for better catches during cooler evening hours. However, this incident underscores the inherent dangers of pursuing this hobby during the rainy season. Mr. A had ventured to the river for night fishing, a common practice where anglers set up their equipment in the evening and fish through the night, often in locations they know well during normal weather conditions.

The timing of this tragedy is particularly significant as it occurred during a period of intense rainfall that had been affecting the Chungbuk region since July 16. According to meteorological reports, the area had received between 100-300mm of extremely heavy rainfall from July 16 to July 19, with Eumseong County recording 215.5mm of precipitation during this period. This massive amount of water had caused rivers and streams throughout the region to swell far beyond their normal levels, creating dangerous conditions that even experienced local fishermen might not have anticipated.

Emergency Response and Investigation Details

The emergency response to this incident demonstrates both the efficiency of Korea's emergency services and the challenges faced when dealing with water-related accidents. Fire and rescue authorities received the initial report at 8:30 AM on July 20, when a concerned citizen noticed that a fisherman who had been in the area was nowhere to be seen. The response was swift, with multiple emergency units dispatched to the scene immediately.

The search operation lasted approximately one hour before Mr. A's body was discovered in the river near Samho Bridge. The fact that the body was found relatively quickly suggests that the victim had not been swept far downstream, indicating that the incident likely occurred in the immediate vicinity of where he had been fishing. Police have confirmed that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident, though initial findings point to the dangerous water conditions caused by the recent heavy rainfall as a contributing factor.

Weather Conditions and Their Impact on Local Waterways

The weather conditions leading up to this tragic incident paint a picture of the severe meteorological challenges that South Korea faced during this period. The Korea Meteorological Administration had issued multiple warnings about the extreme rainfall, which was part of a larger weather system that brought record-breaking precipitation to many parts of the country. The rainfall totals recorded in various locations across Chungbuk Province were staggering: Cheongju recorded 329.9mm, Goesan 278.5mm, Jeungpyeong 278.5mm, and Jincheon 232mm.

These rainfall amounts represent some of the heaviest precipitation seen in the region in recent years, causing rivers, streams, and other waterways to exceed their normal capacity dramatically. The Daeso-myeon area where the incident occurred was particularly affected, with local waterways becoming fast-flowing and dangerous. Such conditions can be deceiving to those unfamiliar with how quickly water levels can rise, as what appears to be a manageable situation in the evening can become life-threatening by morning as upstream rainfall continues to feed into the river system.

Community Safety Concerns and Fishing Regulations

This incident has renewed discussions about fishing safety and the need for better public awareness about the risks associated with recreational fishing during adverse weather conditions. Eumseong County has existing regulations regarding fishing in certain areas, particularly around reservoirs that serve as water sources for local communities. The county has designated Wonnam Reservoir and Geumjeong Reservoir as no-fishing zones since 2019 to prevent water pollution and accidents.

However, the river where this tragedy occurred was not subject to such restrictions, highlighting the challenge of balancing public access to recreational fishing opportunities with safety concerns. Local authorities have indicated that they will be reviewing safety protocols and considering whether additional warnings or temporary restrictions should be implemented during severe weather events. The incident also underscores the importance of personal responsibility among recreational fishermen to assess conditions carefully and avoid dangerous situations.

Broader Context of Water-Related Accidents in Korea

This tragic incident in Eumseong County is unfortunately not an isolated case. Water-related accidents, particularly those involving fishing activities, occur regularly throughout Korea, especially during the monsoon season when weather conditions can change rapidly and dramatically. The combination of Korea's geography, with its numerous rivers, streams, and coastal areas, along with the popularity of fishing as a recreational activity, creates ongoing challenges for public safety.

Recent years have seen several similar incidents across the country, from fishing boat accidents off Jeju Island to individuals being swept away by flood waters in various provinces. The Korean government and local authorities continue to work on improving emergency response capabilities and public education about water safety. However, cases like Mr. A's death serve as sobering reminders that nature can be unpredictable and deadly, particularly for those who may underestimate the risks associated with their recreational activities during severe weather conditions.