People enjoy their vacation at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, 237 kilometers east of Seoul, on June 18, 2023. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 21 (Korea Bizwire) — A legal basis has been established to address the so-called “squatting” issue, wherein individuals leave their tents behind on beaches for extended periods, using them whenever they return to the beach.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Tuesday that a bill allowing authorities to swiftly remove unauthorized personal property erected on beaches has passed the Cabinet meeting.
Previous regulations prohibited camping and cooking in areas other than designated zones. Violations may result in fines, restitution orders, and administrative vicarious execution.
Authorities have faced challenges in promptly dealing with personal property like tents due to difficulties in identifying the owners.
Moreover, administrative vicarious execution takes anywhere from one to six months to take effect.
The new legislation includes explicit provisions for governing unattended illicit camping and cooking equipment.
The newly passed bill authorizes the confiscation of camping gear, cooking equipment, and any other items that may impede the operation and management of the beach.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
