How Did 40 Tetrapod Accidents Kill 8 People on Jeju's Coast in 10 Years?

Quick answer: Between 2017 and October 2026, 40 tetrapod-related accidents were recorded around the coast of Jeju, South Korea, and 8 people died, according to Korea Coast Guard data obtained by National Assembly member Song Ok-ju and reported by JIBS on 19 October 2026.

Key facts

• What: Tetrapod (breakwater-block) accidents
• Where: Jeju Island, South Korea
• Period: 2017 to October 2026
• Toll: 40 accidents, 8 deaths
• Source: Korea Coast Guard, via National Assembly member Song Ok-ju; reported by JIBS Jeju Broadcasting (reporter Kim Dong-eun) on 19 October 2026

What happened

Tetrapod accidents have continued around Jeju's coastline, with eight deaths over the last ten years, according to the newly released figures.

The numbers come from data that National Assembly member Song Ok-ju received from the Korea Coast Guard. They show that from 2017 to the present, 40 tetrapod accidents occurred on Jeju, of which 8 were fatal — one in five of the recorded incidents.

Why tetrapods are dangerous

Tetrapods are the large concrete blocks stacked along harbour walls and breakwaters to absorb wave energy. Their uneven, often wet surfaces are difficult to walk on, and a fall can trap a person in the gaps between the blocks or drop them into the sea.

The file photograph published with the JIBS report shows people walking across the blocks at the water's edge — a reminder that these structures, which can look like a walkway, sit directly over open water.

What happens next

The figures were made public by an elected lawmaker, and further detail — such as the locations of the incidents and any new safety measures — may follow as the story develops.

We will update this article if the Korea Coast Guard or Jeju's authorities release updated figures or announce new coastal-safety measures. Live incident reports continue to appear on our live world map as they surface.

Staying safe on coastal breakwaters

• Do not climb or walk on tetrapods and breakwater blocks — they are not walkways, and falls into the gaps or the sea can be fatal
• Keep a safe distance from the water's edge on harbours and piers, especially in rough seas
• Supervise children closely near harbours, breakwaters and coastal rocks
• If you see someone fall in, call the local emergency number immediately rather than entering the water yourself
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Jeju tetrapod accidents?

Eight people died in tetrapod-related accidents on Jeju between 2017 and October 2026, out of 40 recorded incidents, according to Korea Coast Guard data.

Where did the accidents happen?

Around the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea, where tetrapod blocks line harbour walls and breakwaters. The JIBS report does not break the figures down by specific location.

Where did the figures come from?

The data comes from the Korea Coast Guard and was obtained by National Assembly member Song Ok-ju. It was reported by JIBS Jeju Broadcasting on 19 October 2026.