Jeju Woljeongri Beach 'Hotspot' Faces Crisis: 70% of Coastal Sand Dunes Destroyed Amid Development Boom

Introduction to Woljeongri Beach and Its Coastal Sand Dunes

Woljeongri Beach, located in Jeju Island's northeastern coast, was historically surrounded by extensive coastal sand dunes stretching several kilometers behind the beach and into the village. These dunes, locally called 'Hanmosal,' served as natural sand reservoirs supplying the beach and acted as buffers against strong waves and wind. The 1967 aerial photos show a natural continuum from sea to beach to dunes and farmland without any coastal roads or buildings, illustrating a well-preserved ecosystem.

Rapid Development and Tourism Boom

Until the early 2000s, Woljeongri was a quiet fishing and farming village with only a few cafes. However, from the 2010s, the beach's serene beauty gained popularity through social media, turning it into a major tourist hotspot. This surge led to a construction frenzy, with 277 new or expanded buildings—including cafes, accommodations, and commercial facilities—erected between 2018 and 2024. The coastal road built in the 1990s covered parts of the dunes and beach, and buildings densely lined the shore, severely damaging the dune ecosystem.

Environmental Impact and Sand Dune Destruction

The coastal sand dunes are crucial as natural sand storage, replenishing the beach sand and protecting the coastline. Due to the destruction of these dunes, about 70% of Woljeongri's sand dune area has vanished within just four years, shrinking from approximately 50,000 square meters in 2016 to about 15,000 square meters in 2020. This loss disrupts natural sand flow, causing accelerated beach erosion. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ 2024 survey rated the erosion risk behind the beach at a full 100 points, indicating extreme vulnerability. Without intervention, the beach risks losing its function as a recreational and ecological asset.

Socioeconomic Effects and Gentrification

The rapid rise in land prices—about 67 times increase from 2010 to 2022—has led to gentrification, pushing out local residents and small business owners. Many shops and cafes are now owned by outsiders, and some locals complain about noise, traffic congestion, and the loss of community identity. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in tourists, leading to numerous vacant commercial properties and more business closures than openings since 2022, signaling a cooling of the tourism boom.

Local Perspectives and Calls for Conservation

Residents express mixed feelings: some worry about economic downturns due to fewer tourists, while others welcome the rise in land values and development. Environmental groups and experts warn that the rapid, unchecked development has caused irreversible damage to the dunes and urge immediate policies to protect the remaining coastal sand dunes to maintain the beach's health and sustainability. They emphasize that preserving these natural buffers is essential not only for tourism but also for climate resilience, as dunes store 'blue carbon' and protect against storm surges.

Cultural and Environmental Context

Jeju’s coastal dunes are unique due to the island’s volcanic basalt geology and the composition of sand largely from marine shell fragments, differing from typical sandy beaches. The dunes have cultural significance for local communities and are linked to traditional agricultural landscapes and natural heritage sites nearby, such as lava caves. The loss of dunes threatens both ecological balance and cultural identity.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Woljeongri Beach exemplifies the tension between development-driven tourism and environmental conservation. As the tourism boom cools, the community faces challenges of economic adjustment and ecological restoration. Experts recommend controlled development, dune restoration projects, and sustainable tourism practices to revive the beach’s natural beauty and ensure long-term viability. The story of Woljeongri serves as a cautionary tale for coastal management in Jeju and beyond.