Gyeongpo Beach Opens with Quadruped Robot Guidance and Safety Measures in Gangneung

Introduction to Gyeongpo Beach Opening

Gyeongpo Beach, the largest on Korea's East Coast, will open first among Gangneung's 18 beaches on June 28, 2025, running until August 17. The other 17 beaches open on July 4, operating for up to 51 days. This year, the city aims to offer a differentiated experience focusing on themes, healing, and safety.

Facilities and Attractions at Gyeongpo Beach

The beach is equipped with diverse facilities including the famous Doribawi diving platform, a floating bridge, large water slides, three seawater pools, information centers, and rest areas to enhance visitor convenience. From July 26 to August 9, a 200-meter central passage will open for night swimming from 6 PM to 9 PM, supported by lighting installations.

Innovative Safety Measures: Quadruped Robot and Rescue Drones

To ensure safety, Gyeongpo Beach will deploy a quadruped robot that roams the area providing announcements and safety instructions to visitors. Additionally, two rescue drones equipped with lighting and life-saving devices will be in operation. The beach also has four water motorcycles, two rescue boats, and a drone dedicated to rescue missions. A 24-hour control room and 553 staff members will monitor safety and enforce regulations.

Festivals and Local Food Events

Coinciding with the opening, the 5th Gangneung Beach Beer Festival will be held from June 27 to 29, featuring craft beer, local foods, and various performances along the central passage. The peak summer period from July 29 to August 4 will host the 2025 Gyeongpo Summer Festival, including popular singer concerts and EDM parties, creating vibrant nightlife experiences.

Environmental and Wildlife Safety Measures

To address natural hazards, the beach has implemented a rip current monitoring and text alert system. Due to increased sightings of sharks and jellyfish, jellyfish nets have been installed and shark deterrent devices are in use. These measures aim to protect visitors while preserving the marine ecosystem.

Themed Beaches Across Gangneung

Beyond Gyeongpo, other beaches in Gangneung offer unique themes: Anmok Beach is a pet-friendly beach allowing visitors to enjoy the sea with their dogs, while Jumunjin Beach is themed for camping and beer enjoyment. Jumunjin will also host a seafood festival, clam digging, and treasure hunts on the sand in August.

Infrastructure Improvements and Visitor Convenience

Gangneung city plans to alleviate parking issues by creating temporary parking lots near beaches. Facilities will be expanded and renovated, and a mandatory card payment system will be introduced to improve visitor convenience and reduce discomfort.

Community and Visitor Reactions

Local online communities such as Naver blogs and various Korean forums express excitement about the advanced safety technologies like the quadruped robot and rescue drones, praising the city’s efforts to blend technology with tradition. Some concerns remain about managing large crowds during festivals, but the overall response is positive, highlighting the innovative approach to a safe and enjoyable beach season.

Cultural Insights for International Visitors

Gangneung’s beaches are not only about sun and sand but also reflect Korea’s growing embrace of technology and cultural festivals as part of summer leisure. The integration of robots for safety announcements is a novel feature that international visitors will find fascinating, symbolizing Korea’s forward-thinking approach to tourism and public safety. The local festivals showcase Korean craft beer culture and music trends, offering a rich cultural experience beyond typical beach activities.