14th Samcheok Isabu General National Open Water Swimming Competition. (Image provided by the Yonhap reader)
SAMCHEOK, July 17 (Korea Bizwire) – A national open-water swimming competition in Samcheok, South Korea, ended in chaos and controversy after it was abruptly canceled on the day of the event, leaving hundreds of participants furious over poor communication, lack of contingency planning, and a refusal to issue refunds.
The 14th Samcheok Isabu General National Open-Water Swimming Competition, scheduled for July 12 at Maengbang Beach, was initially delayed due to rough waves.
Although no official storm warning was issued, the Coast Guard advised cancellation for safety reasons. After consulting national water polo athletes invited for a demonstration, the organizers concluded sea conditions were unsafe.
In a last-minute decision, organizers attempted to relocate the event to a nearby river, Maeupcheon, informing only a few team representatives on-site.
However, upon arrival, participants were told the alternate site had not received prior safety clearance and was also unusable. This triggered the full cancellation of the event just hours after its intended start.
(Image provided by the Yonhap reader)
Many swimmers had traveled long distances, spending personal funds on transportation, lodging, and meals. They expressed frustration at not receiving clear updates, with some learning of the cancellation only after arriving at the venue.
One participant from Chuncheon said, “I only realized the event was canceled after unloading my gear and hearing it from another attendee.”
Adding fuel to the outrage, the organizing body—the Samcheok Swimming Federation—has refused to issue refunds to the approximately 1,200 registered participants, citing a regulation that exempts them in the event of natural disasters or force majeure.
Critics say the federation’s failure to secure alternative safety approvals or communicate effectively was a serious oversight. “You enforce the no-refund rule strictly but not the contingency plans?” read one angry message on the event’s official website.
Kim Dong-il, head of the Samcheok Swimming Federation, acknowledged the lack of planning as a “regrettable mistake,” adding, “We focused on safety staffing under the assumption that the weather would be manageable. We apologize and will better prepare alternative options in future events.”
As the backlash intensifies, calls are mounting for greater accountability and regulatory oversight to prevent similar mishandling in future sports events.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
